The A’s announced that they’ve signed Daric Barton to a one-year contract, avoiding arbitration with the first baseman. Salary figures weren’t immediately available.
Barton, 28, had two stints with Oakland last season and hit .269 with three homers and 16 RBI in 37 games. As has been the case in recent seasons, Barton could face an uphill battle for playing time in 2014 as the A’s have Brandon Moss and Nate Freiman at first already. Manager Bob Melvin also mentioned that switch-hitting second baseman Alberto Callaspo could get time at first. Last season, Barton worked his way into late-season playing time and made Oakland’s postseason roster.
Barton’s deal is non-guaranteed, the San Francisco Chronicle reported, meaning the A’s aren’t on the hook for the full salary if he doesn’t make the team.
The A’s still have seven players eligible for arbitration: relievers Jim Johnson, Luke Gregerson and Jesse Chavez; Moss; catcher/DH John Jaso, right fielder Josh Reddick and shortstop Jed Lowrie.
The A’s also announced that they released reliever Pedro Figueroa to clear a 40-man roster spot for catcher Chris Gimenez, who was claimed off waivers from Tampa Bay earlier Friday.
