Report: RHP Hoffman reaches deal with Brewers

Jan 8, 2009 - 4:15 PM LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- Major League Baseball's all-time saves leader apparently is headed to Milwaukee.

FOXSports.com reported Thursday that the Brewers have reached a preliminary agreement with Trevor Hoffman on a one-year, $6 million contract. The deal reportedly includes $1.5 million in incentives, bringing the potential total value to $7.5 million.

The 41-year-old Hoffman, who spent the last 15 1/2 seasons of his career in San Diego, made $7.5 million in 2008 when he went 3-6 with 30 saves and a 3.77 ERA in 48 appearances for the Padres.

The all-time saves leader with 554, Hoffman owns a career record of 56-66 with a 2.78 ERA in 930 relief appearances with the Florida Marlins and Padres. Mariano Rivera of the New York Yankees is second on the career saves list with 482.

The Brewers lost their closer, Salomon Torres, to retirement at the start of the offseason. Three of their other relievers -- Eric Gagne, Brian Shouse and Guillermo Mota -- are free agents.