Cubs will sign Maddux

MESA, Ariz. -- Greg Maddux is going back where he started, deciding to sign with the Chicago Cubs, The Associated Press learned Tuesday night.

The four-time Cy Young winner agreed to a $24 million, three-year deal with the Cubs, rejoining the team that gave him his start in the majors, a source close the negotiations said on condition of anonymity.

The deal is pending a physical, but the 37-year-old Maddux is expected to report Wednesday with the rest of the Cubs pitchers and catchers.

The addition of Maddux, who is just 11 wins shy of 300, gives the Cubs one of the strongest rotations in the game. He'll join Kerry Wood, Mark Prior, Matt Clement and Carlos Zambrano -- a foursome that took the Cubs within five outs of the World Series a year ago.

Maddux went 16-11 with a 3.96 ERA last season -- his 16th straight year with at least 15 wins.