Pirates sign free agent outfielder Nate McLouth

The Pittsburgh Pirates today announced they have agreed to terms with outfielder Nate McLouth on a contract for the 2012 season. The announcement was made by Senior Vice President, General Manager Neal Huntington.

The 30-year-old McLouth spent the last two seasons with the Braves after being acquired by Atlanta in a trade with the Pirates on June 3, 2009. In his final full season with Pittsburgh in 2008, the left-handed hitting McLouth led the National League with 46 doubles while batting .276 with a career-high 26 home runs, 94 RBI, 23 stolen bases and a .356 OBP in 152 games. He was also a member of the National League All-Star Game that season and won a Rawlings Gold Glove after making just one error in 149 games in center field.

"We are pleased to sign Nate and bring him back to Pittsburgh," said Huntington. "He will add a positive veteran presence to our outfield and club."

Originally selected by Pittsburgh in the 25th round of the 2000 First-Year Player Draft, McLouth made his Major League debut with the Pirates in 2005 and has produced a career batting average of .249, 140 doubles, 81 home runs, 87 stolen bases and a .337 OBP in 731 games.

To make room for McLouth on the active roster, the Pirates designated infielder Pedro Ciriaco for assignment.