Joe Carter Signs 3-Year Contract With San Diego

Joe Carter reached agreement with San Diego on a three-year contract today, clearing the way for the Padres to complete a multiplayer trade that will send Sandy Alomar Jr. to the Cleveland Indians, the Associated Press learned.

Sources said the deal was to be announced this afternoon at baseball’s winter meetings.

Cleveland and the Padres reached agreement late Monday night on Carter, one of baseball’s biggest sluggers.

The trade could not be finished until San Diego signed Carter, who would have been eligible for free agency after the 1990 season. The teams had until 2 p.m. Tennessee time to reach agreement or the deal was off, although they could have extended the time limit if necessary.

Carter and the Padres concluded negotiations about 15 minutes before the deadline.