PHOENIX -- Although an announcement isn't expected for several days, MLB.com confirmed on Monday that the A's have agreed in principal on a one-year contract with free-agent shortstop Orlando Cabrera.

Cabrera is expected to fly from the East Coast to the Bay Area for a physical early this week, and if all goes well, he'll likely report to Spring Training with Oakland by Thursday or Friday.

Contacted by MLB.com early Monday afternoon, A's general manager Billy Beane declined comment, citing his policy against discussing free agents.

Because Cabrera is a Type A free agent, Oakland will have to give his former club, the White Sox, its second-round pick in June's First-Year Player Draft.

The A's deal with Cabrera is worth $4 million. He was said to be looking for about $9 million earlier in the offseason.

Bobby Crosby, Oakland's incumbent shortstop, is entering the final year of a deal that will pay him close to $5.25 million this year.

The A's placed Crosby on unrestricted waivers this winter after their failed pursuit of free-agent shortstop Rafael Furcal, but Crosby went unclaimed.

With Cabrera in the fold, Oakland will either move Crosby into a utility role or look to trade him.