The San Diego Padres have signed free agent Brad Hawpe to a 1-year deal. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Hawpe, a former outfielder, will provide an inexpensive option at 1st base for San Diego. The Padres had been in talks with free agent 1st basemen Derrek Lee and Adam LaRoche but decided on a buy-low option in Hawpe.
The 31-year old batted just .245 with 9 homers, 44 RBIs, and a .758 OPS in 2010 as a member of the Colorado Rockies and Tampa Bay Rays.
In his 7-year career, Hawpe has a .279 average with 120 home runs and 471 RBIs. He has hit well at Petco Park throughout his career posting a .281/.371/.451 line with 5 home runs and 21 RBIs in 42 games.
Hawpe will have major shoes to fill at 1st base for the Padres after they traded All-Star 1st basemen Adrian Gonzalez to the Boston Red Sox last month.
Prospect Kyle Blanks was once expected to be the new 1st baseman for the Padres but he will be out until at least midseason after having reconstructive elbow surgery.
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