Ellsbury, Yankees agree on contract

A person familiar with the negotiations says the New York Yankees have reached agreement with outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury on a seven-year contract worth about $153 million.

Ellsbury, who helped Boston win the World Series this year, is the second major free-agent addition in the Yankees’ offseason rebuilding. He was to take a physical in New York on Wednesday, the person said, speaking on condition of anonymity because no statements were authorized.

The Yankees also had been negotiating with Shin-Soo Choo, who like Ellsbury is represented by agent Scott Boras.

Earlier Tuesday, New York finalized an $85 million, five-year contract with All-Star catcher Brian McCann.

Ellsbury, who turned 30 in September, led the majors with 52 stolen bases despite being hobbled late in the season by a broken right foot. The lefty-hitting leadoff man batted .298 with nine homers and 53 RBIs.

Clearing the bases

The Astros have acquired outfielder Dexter Fowler from the Rockies for outfielder Brandon Barnes and right-hander Jordan Lyles. The 27-year-old Fowler hit .263 with 18 doubles, 42 RBIs and 19 stolen bases in 119 games last season. Fowler, a switch-hitter who primarily plays center field, hit .300 in 2012. … A person familiar with the negotiations says catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia has agreed to a $21 million, three-year deal with the Marlins. A switch-hitter, Saltalamacchia batted a career-high .273 with 15 homers, 40 doubles and 65 RBIs last season for the World Series champions Red Sox. …. In one whirlwind stretch of less than 24 hours, A’s GM Billy Beane pulled off a trio of trades with three different clubs. The A’s acquired A.L. saves leader Jim Johnson from Baltimore, they traded for Padres right-handed reliever Luke Gregerson in a swap that sent outfielder Seth Smith to the Padres and outfielder Craig Gentry was acquired from Texas for outfielder Michael Choice. … The Twins have finalized a $49-million, four-year contract with right-hander Ricky Nolasco, a first step toward restoring a ragged rotation. … Free-agent catcher A.J. Pierzynski has agreed to a one-year contract with the Red Sox. Pierzynski hit .272 with the Rangers. … The Rays have acquired catcher Ryan Hanigan from the Reds and reliever Heath Bell from the Diamondbacks in a three-team trade. Tampa Bay sent pitcher Justin Choate to the Diamondbacks. Arizona dealt left-hander David Holmberg to Cincinnati.