ARLINGTON -- The Rangers have finalized a one-year Minor League contract with outfielder Sammy Sosa, with an invitation to Spring Training.

The two sides agreed to a deal in principle two weeks ago but finally completed the contract on Monday. The Rangers have called a press conference for 1 p.m. CT on Tuesday to make a formal announcement.

Sosa, who is fifth all-time with 588 home runs, did not play in 2006. He was with the Baltimore Orioles in 2005 and hit .221 with 14 home runs and 45 RBIs. His best years were with the Chicago Cubs, and he was the 1998 National League's Most Valuable Player when he hit .308 with 66 home runs and 158 RBIs.

A seven-time All-Star, Sosa hit 243 home runs between 1998-2001. He turned 38 in November and impressed the Rangers enough in a workout at Ameriquest Field in Arlington to warrant a non-roster invitation to Spring Training.

"I'd love to have him hit fifth behind Mark Teixeira if he shows he can hit Major League pitching," manager Ron Washington said. "As we get into Spring Training, his performance will show what we can do with him.

"He's looking for an opportunity to get back in the game. There are no promises -- he has to perform. If he does do that, we'll be happy to have him here. If he doesn't, then we'll have to make a decision."

Sosa, who agreed to a $500,000 base salary with substantial incentives, is expected to compete for a job as the Rangers designated hitter with occasional duties in the outfield. He originally signed with the Rangers and made his Major League debut with them in 1989 before being traded to the Chicago White Sox.