Atlanta, GA (My Sportsbook) - The Atlanta Braves have reportedly signed shortstop Rafael Furcal to a three-year contract with a vesting option for a fourth season. Fox Sports is reporting that the deal could be announced as soon as Tuesday once he passes a physical.

The signing comes as bit of a surprise, as the Oakland Athletics were believed to have made the best offer for Furcal, who was the NL Rookie of the Year for Atlanta in 2000. The move could also signify the start of trade talks for the Braves, who already have Yunel Escobar at shortstop and Kelly Johnson at second base.

Atlanta has been trying to add another frontline starter and had been in talks to acquire San Diego's Jake Peavy earlier this offseason with Escobar being the centerpiece of the potential deal.

Furcal spent the first six years of his career in Atlanta and played the last three seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, he was limited to just 36 games with the Dodgers last year because of back surgery, but still hit .357 with five home runs and 16 RBI.

He also played in all eight playoff games for the Dodgers, hitting .258 with a homer, three RBI and nine runs scored.

For his career, Furcal is a .286 hitter with 83 home runs and 259 stolen bases in 1,150 games for the Braves and Dodgers. He enjoyed his best season in 2006 with the Dodgers when he hit .300 with 15 home runs and a career-best 63 RBI, while scoring 113 runs and swiping 37 bases.