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Red Sox agree to four-year contract

Boston re-signs Nathan Eovaldi for $67.5 million over four years.

Nathan Eovaldi’s marathon relief performance in Game 3 of the World Series is a moment that will resonate in Red Sox history. And, as a result, the Boston Red sox have rewarded him with a $68 million, four-year contract.

“We’re very happy to have Nathan back with us,” Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said in a statement as the deal was announced Thursday.

“He did a tremendous job for us last season, playing a significant role in helping us win the division and the World Series.

“His performance in the postseason was outstanding, both as a starting pitcher and as a reliever.”

A 28-year-old righthander who has had two Tommy John surgeries, Eovaldi was acquired by Boston from Tampa Bay July 25.

He was 3-3 with a 3.33 ERA down the stretch. He made four starts against the archrival New York Yankees, going 2-0 with a 0.39 ERA, and beat New York in Game 3 of the AL Division Series, when he gave up one run in seven innings.

In six postseason appearances, including two starts, Eovaldi went 2-1 with a 1.61 ERA, a .185 opponent’s batting average, 16 strikeouts, and three walks

Eovaldi pitched one inning of relief in each of the first two games of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

He entered Game 3 in the 12th inning and threw 97 pitches over six-plus innings, preventing the bullpen from enduring additional stress.

Astros

Houston and catcher Robinson Chirinos agreed

to a $5.75 million, one-year contract, giving catchingthin Houston another option. The 34-year-old spent the past six seasons with the Texas Rangers and hit .222 this year while setting career bests with 18 homers and 65 RBIs in 113 games.

Cubs

Chicago closer Brandon Morrow likely will miss the start of the season following arthroscopic surgery on his right elbow last month. He is not expected to start throwing until some point in February. Signed to a $21 million, two-year contract last December, Morrow led the Cubs with 22 saves and had a 1.47 ERA in 35 games. He did not pitch after July 15 because of a bone bruise in his right elbow.

Indians

Cleveland agreed to terms with starter Carlos Carrasco Thursday on a $47 million, four-year contract, a deal that includes $37.25 million in new guaranteed money and could keep him in a Cleveland uniform through the 2023 season. Carrasco has won 35 games over the past two seasons for the Indians.

Twins

Minnesota and Jonathan Schoop have come to agreement on a $7.5 million, oneyear contract for the freeagent second baseman.