Padres Sign Aging Henderson To Two-Year, $4 Million Deal

Free-agent outfielder Rickey Henderson, Major League Baseball’s career stolen-base leader, agreed Friday to a two-year, $4 million contract with the San Diego Padres.

Henderson, who turned 37 on Monday, can earn approximately $2.5 million more in incentives based on plate appearances.

Henderson said he had considered Cincinnati and the Chicago White Sox, but decided to stay on the West Coast.

“It gave me an opportunity to start fresh and learn from one of the greatest hitters,” Henderson said during a conference call, referring to six-time National League batting champion Tony Gwynn.

Henderson hit .300, drove in 54 runs and stole 32 bases for the Oakland A’s last season.