Pirates sign free agent Corey Hart

The Pittsburgh Pirates have signed first baseman/outfielder Corey Hart to a one-year deal for the 2015 season. The announcement was made by Pirates Executive Vice President, General Manager Neal Huntington.

In 10 Major League seasons, the 32-year-old Hart has recorded a .271 (997-for-3675) batting average, 220 doubles, 33 triples, 160 home runs, 529 RBI and 546 runs scored in 1013 games between Milwaukee (2004-2013) and Seattle (2014).

After missing the entire 2013 season due to knee surgery, Hart was signed by Seattle on 12/13/13 and hit .203 (47-for-232) with nine doubles, six home runs and 21 RBI in 68 games with the Mariners last season. He made 55 starts as the designated hitter while also making seven appearances in right field, two at first base and one in left field.

Hart hit at least 20 home runs in all but one season (2009) with the Brewers from 2007-2012. In 2010, he was named to the National League All-Star team for the second time while establishing career highs in home runs (31), RBI (102) and runs scored (91). He also hit the sixth-most home runs (87) among all National League players from 2010-2012.

In his big league career, the right-handed hitting Hart has made 748 appearances in right field, 107 at first base, 51 in center field and 29 in left field.

To make room on the 40-man roster for Hart, the Pirates have designated right-handed pitcher Preston Guilmet for assignment.