Shortstop Rafael Furcal is close to accepting a $30 million, three-year offer to return to the Atlanta Braves.
The 31-year-old began his major league career with Atlanta, playing for the Braves from 2000-05. He spent the last three seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
His agent says Furcal liked the idea of coming back to Atlanta, but there hasn't been any formal agreement.
The deal would contain an option for 2012 that could become guaranteed.
Furcal hit .357 last season with five homers and 16 RBIs but had back surgery July 3 and was limited to 36 games and 143 at-bats. He returned to the lineup Sept. 24 and played in four games during the final week of the season.
