Red Sox, Youkilis talk deal

Kevin Youkilis is scheduled to reach free agency after the 2010 season.

The Red Sox and infielder Kevin Youkilis have taken initial steps toward a possible long-term contract extension, said Joe Bick, the agent who represents Youkilis.

"We've had some what I would term early-stage conversations," Bick said. "That's really where it is. To predict which way it's going to go at this point in time would be pretty tough to do."

Youkilis, Bick said, would be comfortable repeating what he did last offseason: avoid arbitration and sign a one-year contract. Youkilis, who will turn 30 in March, has a little more than four years of major league service time, meaning he will be able to file for free agency for the first time after the 2010 season.

"Kevin is perfectly content to do it one year at a time," Bick said. "There's no urgency whatsoever. If we are presented with a multiyear deal, he's fine with it either way. We're all pretty confident that Kevin is going to remain an outstanding player. He is not the kind of guy that is going to be antsy if he has to do a one-year contract."

Youkilis signed for $3 million last season, a price that will certainly increase after he finished third in the voting for the American League Most Valuable Player Award. Youkilis established himself as one of baseball's best players, leading the Red Sox in home runs (29), RBIs (115), and slugging percentage (.569). He also hit .312 with 43 doubles and a .390 on-base percentage while playing both first and third base at a high level.

The Red Sox have already re-signed second baseman Dustin Pedroia, the man who beat out Youkilis for the MVP, locking him up years before he hit free agency. Pedroia's contract, Bick said, will not have any bearing on a possible contract for Youkilis.

"I don't think it is significant to the process at all," Bick said. "Obviously, we're happy for Dustin that he was able to get it done and that he's happy. In terms of the player, their situations are totally different."

Bick said it would be "difficult to predict" if and when a potential deal might be completed, and neither he nor the Red Sox have set any timetable or deadline. Youkilis has proven throughout his career he can thrive while proving his value season by season, and he seemingly has no issue with doing it again in 2009.

"Well, the system is in place for determining what's going to happen with Kevin from a salary standpoint," Bick said. "If we have conversations that aren't fruitful regarding a multiyear contract, we'll go to the next option. In terms of comfort, we're interested in what's right for Kevin. Regardless, I'm sure it's all going to work out."

Adam Kilgore can be reached at akilgore@globe.com