The Red Sox are on the verge of signing Baldelli, a native of Woonsocket, R.I., according to major-league sources.

Baldelli, who had spent his entire career with the Rays before becoming a free agent, will be the Sox's fourth outfielder behind Jason Bay, Jacoby Ellsbury and J.D. Drew.

The Sox appear to be getting Baldelli at the right moment, with his health seemingly on the upswing. The deal was first reported by ESPN.com.

Baldelli, 27, missed most of last season with a condition that was diagnosed as mitochondrial fatigue syndrome.

However, an offseason visit to the Cleveland Clinic revealed that his condition was channelopathy, a non-progressive, more treatable problem.

"It's definitely an encouraging development," Baldelli told the St.Petersburg Times. "Knowing this is a treatable condition, I feel this is a very positive thing for me and my baseball career. With this less-severe diagnosis, I hope to be on the field on a much more regular basis."

Baldelli appeared in only 28 games last season and was limited to 35 games the season before that due to a left-hamstring injury.

But the Red Sox, who earlier this offseason traded outfielder Coco Crisp to the Royals, might need to play Baldelli regularly if Drew or one of their other outfielders gets injured.

Baldelli hit six home runs in 113 plate appearances after rejoining the Rays last season, including two in the postseason.

In 90 regular-season plate appearances, his batting average/on-base/slugging line was .263-.344-.475.

Boston RedSox News News » Sources: Red Sox on verge of signing Baldelli
Sources: Red Sox on verge of signing Baldelli
Rocco Baldelli is going home to New England. MLB Hot Stove