Seemingly on his way back to the Atlanta Braves, Rafael Furcal reversed course Wednesday and agreed to a three-year, $30-million contract to remain with the Dodgers.
Furcal will be paid $6.5 million next season, $8.5 million in 2010 and $12 million in 2011, according to sources with knowledge of the situation who were granted anonymity because the deal was still being finalized. The contract includes a $12-million option for 2012 that vests if Furcal makes 600 plate appearances in 2011.
The 31-year-old shortstop will receive a deferred signing bonus of $3 million when the contract expires.
Furcal completed a three-year, $39-million deal with the Dodgers this year. He hit .293 in the three years and was often the Dodgers' best offensive player when healthy.
Furcal's agents, Paul Kinzer and Arm Tellem, wouldn't confirm the details of the contract, but Kinzer said of the negotiations with the Dodgers, "Things look pretty good."
Dodgers General Manager Ned Colletti declined to comment.
Furcal appeared Tuesday to be on the verge of signing with the Braves, with whom he broke into the majors in 2000.
The Braves offered Furcal a contract that was guaranteed for three years and included a vesting option for a fourth. The Dodgers' initial offer was guaranteed for two years and had a vesting option for a third.
The Dodgers were reluctant to guarantee the switch-hitting leadoff hitter more than two years because of concerns about his medical history. Furcal missed 4 1/2 months this year because of a bulging disk in his back that required surgery to repair. He also was hobbled by a sprained ankle for the entire 2007 season, during which he hit a career-low .270.
Kinzer acknowledged he told the Braves on Monday night they were the favorites to land his client but denied a deal was in place. The Braves evidently thought otherwise.
"I do know we reached an agreement with Rafael's representative on Monday night," Braves General Manager Frank Wren said in an interview with WIFN-FM in Macon, Ga.
Wren said he faxed Kinzer a term sheet at Kinzer's request.
"It was bound from our side," Wren said. "We had signed it."
But Kinzer told The Times on Tuesday he wanted to give the Dodgers a final chance to re-sign Furcal, something of which Wren said he was unaware.
The Dodgers improved their offer and Wren said that on Tuesday night, he received a call from Kinzer asking him if the Braves would improve theirs. Wren said they wouldn't.
