Major League Baseball

Lackey finalizes $82.5M, 5-year deal with Red Sox

Published Dec. 17, 2009 5:14 p.m. ET

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Pitcher John Lackey has finalized an $82.5 million, five-year contract with the Boston Red Sox.

The top pitcher in the free agent market joins a strong rotation that includes right-hander Josh Beckett, and lefty Jon Lester.

General manager Theo Epstein called Lackey a significant boost to the team.

Lackey has a 102-71 regular-season record with a 3.81 ERA in eight seasons, all with the Angels. At Fenway Park, the right-hander is 2-5 with a 5.75 ERA in nine starts.

The 31-year-old is coming off a strong postseason in which he struck out 14 batters in 19 2-3 innings for Los Angeles while allowing five earned runs and 19 hits.