Cody Ross is signing with the Diamondbacks which is a bummer. However the Sox are close to a deal with closer Joel Hanrahan.

(MLB Trade Rumors) The Red Sox are moving closer to a trade for Joel Hanrahan, reports ESPN Boston’s Gordon Edes. One source cautioned there is “still work to be done,” however. It’s unclear what the Pirates would receive for their closer, though Edes hears they want a “significant return.”

Hanrahan, 31, pitched to a 2.72 ERA with 10.1 K/9 and 5.4 BB/9 in 59 2/3 innings for Pittsburgh last season. He earned $4.1MM and projects to earn $6.9MM through arbitration next year. Hanrahan is scheduled to become a free agent after 2013.

Andrew Bailey, Boston’s incumbent closer, pitched to a 7.04 ERA in 15 1/3 innings in 2012 while missing most of the year with injuries. WEEI.com’s Rob Bradford reports they have not discussed free agent Rafael Soriano despite having a protected first round pick. The Dodgers were among the teams with interest in Hanrahan in recent weeks.