Just weeks after the Red Sox declined a $6 million option on his contract, shortstop Alex Gonzalez officially closed the door on a return to Boston next season by agreeing to a 1-year contract with an option for a second season with the Toronto Blue Jays last night, according to multiple baseball sources.

According to one source, the Red Sox were prepared to offer Gonzalez a 1-year contract in the vicinity of $3 million, but the club wanted to first explore other options on the trade and free-agent markets. Rather than wait for the situation with Boston to resolve itself, Gonzalez opted to sign with the Blue Jays for approximately $2.75 million.

With Gonzalez out of the picture, the Red Sox are expected to be among the primary suitors for free agent shortstop Marco Scutaro, who played with the Blue Jays last season.

Scutaro will likely require a multi-year contract and is a Type A free agent.