Mark Kotsay had the best years of his career with the Padres from 2001-2003 and Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com reports that the veteran outfielder is returning to San Diego on a one-year deal worth around $1.25 million.
At age 35 he’s no longer capable of playing center field regularly and Kotsay’s bat isn’t starting-caliber in a corner spot, but he’s still productive enough to be a decent bench option after hitting .270 with a .703 OPS in 255 plate appearances for the Brewers.
He made 27 starts in right field, 13 starts in left field, nine starts in center field, and one start at first base for Milwaukee, but hasn’t cracked a .750 OPS since 2004. Kotsay hit .283 with a .782 OPS during his first stint in San Diego, which began when he was 25.
