AP Source: Cubs, Jose Veras Near $4M Contract

CHICAGO (AP) — A person familiar with the situation says the Chicago Cubs and reliever Jose Veras were closing in on a $4 million, one-year contract.

The person spoke Tuesday on the condition of anonymity because the deal with the 33-year-old right-hander was pending a physical.

Veras would get $3.85 million next season, and the Cubs have a $5.5 million option for 2014 with a $150,000 buyout. He can make an additional $750,000 annually in performance bonuses based on games finished.

Veras was 0-5 with a 3.02 ERA in 67 games last season for the Houston Astros and Detroit Tigers, who acquired him on July 29.

Detroit declined a $3.25 million option on Veras in November and opted to pay a $150,000 buyout.

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