Orioles reach agreement with Delmon Young on one-year deal

The Orioles can cross another item off their winter shopping list, having reached agreement with free agent outfielder Delmon Young on a one-year contract.

The deal is pending a physical, which will be completed after the New Year, according to a source. He's guaranteed $2.25 million and can reach $3 million in incentives.

Young, 29, was seeking a multi-year deal after batting .302/.337/.442 with 11 doubles, seven home runs and 30 RBIs in 83 games. His first preference was to re-sign with the Orioles, according to agent Joel Wolfe.

Young batted .316/.345/.481 with four home runs in 139 plate appearances at Camden Yards.

The Orioles signed Young to a minor league deal in January following a tryout at the minicamp in Sarasota and he turned into baseball's best pinch-hitter, going 10-for-20 in the regular season and adding a go-ahead three-run double in Game 2 of the American League Division Series against the Tigers. The 10 pinch-hits are tied for sixth-most in a single season in franchise history since 1974.

Young has been in the playoffs in the past six seasons with four different teams.

Executive vice president Dan Duquette has been searching for a right-handed bat after losing Nelson Cruz in free agency. Young can serve as the primary designated hitter and get some starts in the outfield.

Duquette also wants to add a left-handed bat and continues to talk to the Padres about Seth Smith and Will Venable. He's been engaged in talks with them since the Winter Meetings.

The Orioles will need to clear a spot on their 40-man roster after signing Young. They released outfielder Quintin Berry yesterday after claiming catcher/first baseman Ryan Lavarnway off waivers.