BOSTON (AP) – New Boston center fielder Coco Crisp avoided arbitration by agreeing Monday to a $2.75 million, one-year contract with the Red Sox, who also announced their $3 million deal with free-agent shortstop Alex Gonzalez.

The 26-year-old Crisp was traded to Boston last month after Johnny Damon agreed to sign with the New York Yankees, He inherits Damon’s center field job and leadoff position in a lineup expected to include five new starters, four acquired after last season.

The switch-hitting Crisp had asked for $3.05 million in arbitration and the Red Sox had offered $2.35 million, making the settlement at the midpoint. He made $364,900 last year, his fourth season in the majors.

Crisp also would get an additional $25,000 if he makes 625 plate appearances. The Red Sox offered Damon a $40 million, four-year deal but he chose the Yankees’ $52 million, four-year offer.

The Red Sox avoided needing any arbitration hearings. Pitcher Josh Beckett, acquired from Florida during the offseason, agreed Saturday to a one-year deal worth $4,325,000. To make room for Gonzalez, the Red Sox designated Roberto Petagine for assignment.

Gonzalez hit .264 with five homers and 45 RBIs last season, down from 23 homers and 79 RBIs the previous year, when he hit .232.

AP-ES-02-06-06 1455EST