Miami Marlins sign Casey Kotchman

The Miami Marlins have signed free agent first baseman Casey Kotchman, the team has announced.

Kotchman signed a one-year guaranteed contract worth $3 million last offseason with the Cleveland Indians. He earned this deal after hitting .306/.378/.422 with 24 doubles and 10 home runs over 563 plate appearances for the Tampa Bay Rays in 2011.

Unfortunately for Kotchman and the Indians, the veteran first baseman came back down to earth last season. Over 500 plate appearances the 29-year-old hit .229/.280/.333 with 12 doubles and 12 home runs.

As a result of his down year, Kotchman only garnered a minor league contract this winter. The Marlins are set to enter the year with Logan Morrison at first base, so Kotchman will compete for a reserve role or wind up at Triple-A as minor league depth.

Over nine seasons at in the majors, Kotchman, who turns 30 next week, has hit .262/.328/.388.