Marlins sign INF Jeff Baker to two-year contract

MIAMI - The Miami Marlins today announced that they have signed free agent infielder Jeff Baker to a two-year contract. The announcement was made by Marlins President of Baseball Operations Michael Hill.

"We are very excited to add such an experienced player in Jeff Baker," said Hill. "Offensively and defensively, we like the options that his versatility will provide Mike Redmond."

Baker, 32, spent the 2013 season with Texas, hitting .279 (43x154) with 11 home runs and 21 RBI in 74 games with a .360 on-base percentage and a .545 slugging percentage. He averaged one home run every 14.00 at-bats, third-highest in the Majors (min. 150 at bats), and the 11 home runs were the second-highest total of his career, despite missing a month of the season while on the disabled list. On the season, Baker hit .314 (33x105) with 10 home runs off left-handed pitchers and was 6x21/.286 as a pinch-hitter.

Baker made his ML debut with Colorado in 2005 after being selected by the Rockies in the fourth round of the 2002 First-Year Player Draft out of Clemson University. He owns a .267 (404x1513) career average with 48 home runs and 199 RBI in 617 Major League games over nine seasons with Colorado (2005-09), Chicago-NL (2009-12), Detroit (2012), Atlanta (2012) and Texas (2013). Born in West Germany, Baker graduated from high school in Woodbridge, Va. before attending Clemson, where he finished as the school's all-time home run leader.

To make room on the 40-man roster for Baker, the Marlins designated outfielder Jimmy Paredes for assignment.

Marlins' pitchers and catchers are set to hold their first workout on February 16 in Jupiter, Fla., and the first full-squad workout will be on Feb. 20.