St. Petersburg, Florida -- The Tampa Bay Rays made the annoucement official on Tuesday: Carlos Pena is returning to the club, after signing a 1-year free agent contract for $7.25 million.
"Carlos is one of the most accomplished players in team history and he is a great fit for our club in 2012 both on and off the field," said Rays Executive Vice President, Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman. "He adds to our offense with his power while maintaining the high defensive standard we seek."
Pena is the Rays' all-time leader in home runs, with 144. He played four seasons with the Rays, from 2007-2010. He had his two best years playing at Tropicana Field, clubbing 46 home runs in '07, and 39 home runs in '09.
He played the 2010 season with the Cubs, and hit 28 homers, on a 1-year, $10 million contract.
Pena's detractors point to his low batting average and high strikeout total. But he still hits for power, home runs and rbi's, and he walks a lot. Plus the Rays need added power from the first base position. They finished last in the A.L. East in 2011, in runs, home runs, and rbi's.
Pena adds left-handed pop to the Rays' lineup, along with their other big free agent aquisition, DH Luke Scott from Baltimore.
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