MINNEAPOLIS, Jan. 26 (UPI) -- The Minnesota Twins have signed veteran slugger Jim Thome to a one-year contract, sources said Tuesday.
The (Minneapolis) Star Tribune, citing sources close to the team, reported the Twins have agreed to an incentive-laden, $1.5 million deal with Thome, who is 12th on the all-time home run hitter's list at 564, just nine behind former Twins great Harmon Killebrew at No. 10.
The newspaper said Thome could earn up to $700,000 more by hitting incentives. The Twins already have a left-handed full-time designated hitter, Jason Kubel, so it's likely Thome will be used mainly as a pinch hitter off the bench.
Thome was with the Chicago White Sox for the majority of last season, moving to the Los Angeles Dodgers in September. In 124 games between the two clubs, he batted .249 with a .366 on-base percentage, 23 homers and 77 RBI.
He has hit more than 40 home runs six times in his career, with his high-water mark coming with the Cleveland Indians in 2002 with 52. He has 1,565 career RBI.
