Cesar Tordesillas

The Texas Rangers have added another big bat to their lineup, signing free-agent catcher

A.J. Pierzynski to a one-year contract.

Sources confirmed that Pierzynski has agreed to terms with the Rangers, pending a physical.

The 35-year-old Pierzynski hit .278 with career-high 27 homers and 77 RBIs in 135 games for the Chicago White Sox last season and started 121 outings at catcher.

He will provide the Rangers additional punch with the departure of free agent slugger Josh Hamilton and Mike Napoli.

Hamilton signed a five-year deal with the Los Angeles Angels while Mike Napoli received a three-year deal with the Boston Red Sox.

Pierzynski could be used as designated hitter as the Rangers have catcher Geovany Soto under contract for next season.

In 133 career at-bats at Rangers Ballpark, Pierzynski has hit .271 with three homers and 16 RBIs. He has nine doubles, one triple, 19 strikeouts and six walks.

With Pierzynski, Rangers manager Ron Washington will have a chance to mend fences with the catcher that he left off the AL All-Star team.

During that time, Pierzynski expressed displeasure over Washington's decision not to include him in the All-Star squad.

"If (Washington) felt that bad, he would have put me on the team,'' Pierzynski said. "He had an opportunity to and he didn't do it. Obviously, he can feel as bad as he wants, but he didn't feel that bad."

 

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Rangers Sign Catcher A.J. Pierzynski to One-Year Deal