Royals sign Miguel Tejada to minor-league deal

The Kansas City Royals signed Miguel Tejada to a one-year minor-league deal, the team officially announced Monday.

Tejada, a 38-year old infielder, signed a deal that will pay him $1.1 million if he makes it to the majors, according to the Associated Press. He last played in the big leagues in 2011 for the San Francisco Giants, spreading his time between shortstop, third base and first base in 91 games.

He had four home runs and 26 runs batted in that year in 343 plate appearances, finishing with a .270 on-base percentage.

Tejada's best years were with the Oakland Athletics. He broke in through the A's system, making his major league debut in 1997. He took over as the A's full-time shortstop in 1999 and won the American League MVP in 2002. He finished fifth in MVP voting in 2004, which was his first year playing for the Baltimore Orioles.

The Royals will announce at a later date if Tejada will be invited to spring training, the team said Monday. Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star said Tejada's signing may make infielders Tony Abreu or Irving Falu expendable.