The St. Louis Cardinals announced today the signing of outfielder Rick Ankiel to a one-year contract. With today’s deal, the Cardinals avoid arbitration with Ankiel.

For the Cardinals last season, Ankiel had 11 home runs and 39 RBI following an August 9 promotion from Triple-A Memphis. He totaled 43 home runs on the season, which led the organization. When his contract was purchased from Memphis, Ankiel was leading the Pacific Coast League with 32 home runs and ranked 2nd with 89 RBI.