All-star centre-fielder Gary Matthews Jr. agreed Wednesday to a five-year contract with the Los Angeles Angels.
Matthews, 32, reportedly will pocket $50 million US, pending the results of a physical.
Gary Matthews Jr. made only seven errors in 147 games last season.
(Tony Gutierrez/Associated Press)
"It came down to the Angels and the [San Francisco] Giants," said agent Scott Leventhal, who represents Matthews.
"The deciding factors were that he was so familiar with the American League, its pitching, the West Division and his roots in L.A. with his family."
"You spend so much time away from your family when you play baseball," Matthews said. "And no amount of money can make up for that.
"This move is a way for me to accommodate my son and be around him more. This move was for my family."
Matthews was sensational last season, finishing with a .313 batting average, 19 home runs, 79 runs batted in, 102 runs scored and 10 stolen bases in 147 games for the Texas Rangers.
His 79 RBIs last season were the most by any American Leaguer hitting out of the leadoff spot and ranked fourth in the majors behind Jimmy Rollins (82), Jose Reyes (81) and Alfonso Soriano (81).
"One of our objectives during this off-season was to improve ourselves in centre-field," Angels general manager Bill Stoneman said. "We believe Gary is a great fit for this ball club.
"In addition to his outstanding play in centre-field, he has the versatility to lead off or hit deeper in the batting order."
Matthews is a lifetime .263 hitter with 78 HRs, 315 RBIs, 427 runs and 64 steals in 875 games over eight MLB seasons with the San Diego Padres, Chicago Cubs, Pittsburgh Pirates, New York Mets, Baltimore Orioles and Rangers.
He is an exceptional fielder too, having committed just 37 errors.
"A premium defender is something that is a priority for us," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "[Gary] plays centre-field on a Gold Glove level.
"His experience has helped him to understand this league and understand his talent…I think he's a great fit."
With files from Sports Network
