Former Boston Red Sox outfielder Cody Ross signs with Arizona

Just why Boston could not come closer to a Ross deal is unclear.

Cody Ross hit 22 home runs for the Red Sox in 2012, but will take his swing to Arizona next season. Associated Press  

Any hope that Cody Ross might return to the Boston Red Sox ended Saturday, when the outfielder agreed to a deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks

ESPN.com reported that Ross will receive $26 million for three years. The numbers are consistent with what Ross had been seeking for months.

Ross hit 22 home runs with 81 RBIs for the Red Sox in 2012, his only season in Boston. He signed a one-year, $3 million deal before the season.

The Red Sox repeatedly expressed interest in a longer deal for Ross, who was one of the few bright spots in a dismal 69-93 season. Not only was Ross productive, but he emerged as a clubhouse leader for a team that is trying to restore a winning chemistry.

For his part, Ross said he liked Boston, but kept open his option of leaving. Negotiations never reached the point where his return looked likely, despite positive remarks by each side.

It is not clear why Ross and the Red Sox could not come closer to a deal. Ross is from the West Coast, and has had success in the National League, notably in 2010 when he was named National League Championship Series Most Valuable Player for the world champion San Francisco Giants.

The Red Sox are avoiding long-term contracts, but they have signed Mike Napoli and Shane Victorino to three-year, $39 million deals. Napoli's contract is being held up, reportedly over health issues.

Ross joins an Arizona outfleld that already includes Jason Kubel, Adam Eaton and Justin Upton. In a league that does not use the designated hitter, that means Kubel could be available in trade, and Upton might be put back on the block.

While Ross was signing elsewhere, the Red Sox were working to acquire Pittsburgh Pirates closer Joel Hanrahan, according to media reports.

Boston was reportedly willing to part with pitchers Alfredo Aceves or Franklin Morales. Hanrahan would offer an alternative to Andrew Bailey, who was shaky as Boston's closer last season.