DETROIT (AP) — Catcher Gerald Laird is returning to the Detroit Tigers, agreeing to a $1 million, one-year contract.
Laird hit .232 with one home run and 12 RBIs in 37 games last season for the World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals. The 32-year-old Laird has a .241 career average with 35 homers in nine major league seasons. He was with the Tigers from 2009-10 and also has played for Texas (2003-08).
Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski says the righty-hitting Laird is a “solid complement to Alex Avila as our backup catcher.”
Laird’s deal includes the same performance bonuses as his 2011 contract: $60,000 each for 50, 60, 70, 80 and 90 games started as a catcher.
Detroit announced the agreement on Friday.
