Reports: Red Sox, pitcher John Lackey reach tentative agreement on 5-year contract

Reports: Lackey, Red Sox agree to 5-year deal

BOSTON — John Lackey and the Boston Red Sox have reached a tentative agreement on a five-year contract, according to media reports.

Lackey, the top pitcher on the free-agent market after eight seasons with the Angels, was in Boston for a physical on Monday, according to reports. His addition would give the Red Sox a strong rotation that includes Josh Beckett and Jon Lester.

Reports say the deal is subject to Lackey passing his physical.

Red Sox president Larry Lucchino and co-owner Tom Werner declined comment in e-mails to The Associated Press. Team owner John Henry and general manager Theo Epstein did not respond to e-mails.

The contract is worth $85 million, according to SI.com. ESPN.com reported its value at more than $82.5 million.