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Red Sox sign Shane Victorino as Josh Hamilton's free-agent options shrink

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Josh Hamilton hasn't yet found a home and one of his potential destinations likely was taken out of play.

The market beneath Hamilton continued to be among the busiest of the winter meetings when on Tuesday veteran outfielder Shane Victorino agreed to a three-year, $37.5 million contract with the Boston Red Sox. The deal followed Atlanta's signing of B.J. Upton, San Francisco's signing of Angel Pagan and Washington's trade for Denard Span. Earlier in the offseason, Torii Hunter signed a two-year deal with the Detroit Tigers.

Meantime, the baseball world waits on Hamilton, whose market remained mysterious beyond the incumbent Texas Rangers. The Rangers have maintained contact with their former outfielder and Hamilton was spotted in the hotel lobby earlier in the meetings.

[Also: Dan Haren signs one-year deal with Nats]

The Red Sox opted for Victorino, who is slotted in right field. In a rebuild-type offseason, the Red Sox have signed Jonny Gomes for left, catcher David Ross, first baseman/catcher Mike Napoli and re-signed designated-hitter David Ortiz.

Victorino, 32, had his worst major-league season in 2012, which he split between the Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers. His .255 batting average, .321 on-base percentage and .704 OPS were career-lows.

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