Former Brewers outfielder Jenkins agrees with Phils

Former Brewers outfielder Jenkins agrees with Phils

The Philadelphia Phillies and free agent outfielder Geoff Jenkins have reached preliminary agreement on a two-year deal believed to be worth about $13 million, a baseball source told ESPN.com.

The agreement includes a third year vesting option based on plate appearances that could increase Jenkins' total package to $20 million, the source said. The deal could be announced as early as Thursday.

Jenkins, 33, is a .277 career hitter with 212 home runs in 10 seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers. He became a free agent when the Brewers declined his 2008 option of $9 million after the season.

The Phillies, who lost Aaron Rowand to San Francisco through free agency and sent Michael Bourn to Houston in a trade for closer Brad Lidge in November, have been looking for a left-handed bat to share time with Jayson Werth in right field.

Jenkins, a .288 career hitter against right-handed pitchers, could also step in for left fielder Pat Burrell against select righties.

Philadelphia had also talked with the representative for free agent center fielder Mike Cameron. By signing Jenkins, the Phillies are now committing to Shane Victorino as their regular center fielder.

The San Diego Padres and Texas Rangers had also expressed interest in Jenkins.

Philadelphia is also close to announcing an agreement with pitcher Chad Durbin, who went 8-7 with a 4.72 ERA for the Detroit Tigers last season.