The Orioles have agreed to terms on a two-year deal with infielder Wilson Betemit, according to an industry source. The deal, which includes an option for a third year, is pending a physical.
The 30-year-old switch-hitter batted .285 with a .343 on-base percentage in 97 games with the Kansas City Royals and Detroit Tigers last year.
Primarily a third baseman, he also has played shortstop, second base and outfield in his career -- though he is not known for his defensive abilities. He likely would be a DH and infielder with the Orioles -- providing some pop from the left side against right-handed pitching.
Signed by the Atlanta Braves out of the Dominican Republic in 1996, he made his debut with the Braves in 2001 as a 19-year-old.
He is a career .269 hitter in nine seasons with six clubs. The Orioles will have to take someone off their 40-man roster to make room for Betemit.