A's Sign 1B Barton to One-Year Contract; Release LHP Figueroa

OAKLAND, Calif. - The Oakland Athletics have signed first baseman Daric Barton to a one-year contract, avoiding arbitration, it was announced today. It was also announced that the A's have released left-handed pitcher Pedro Figueroa to clear a 40-man roster spot for catcher Chris Gimenez, who was claimed off waivers earlier today.

Barton had two stints with the A's in 2013 and batted a combined .269 with three home runs and 16 RBI in 37 games, including 36 games at first base. Barton, 28, has now played 504 games at first base in his career, which is third most in Oakland history. Barton spent the balance of the season at Triple-A Sacramento where he batted .297 with seven home runs and 69 RBI in 110 games. He added 87 walks for a .423 on-base percentage.

Figueroa was 3-4 with a 4.10 ERA and .252 opponents batting average in 46 appearances with Sacramento in 2013. He was recalled by the A's on September 1 and was 0-0 with a 12.00 ERA in five relief appearances. The 28-year-old is 0-0 with a 4.38 ERA in 24 appearances in his career with Oakland.