The Rangers and free-agent catcher A.J. Pierzynski agreed to terms yesterday on a one-year deal, pending a physical.

Pierzynski batted .278 with 27 homers and 77 RBIs (this past season for the White Sox. He played in 135 games, starting 121 at catcher.

The veteran, who turns 36 next week, would give the Rangers a left-handed power bat in a lineup that was right-handed heavy even before Josh Hamilton signed his five-year deal with the Angels last weekend.

Pierzynski could catch and play some designated hitter in Texas with catcher Geovany Soto also under contract with the team.

Pierzynski, who made $6 million in 2012 as part of a two-year, $8 million contract, would step into the spot vacated by Mike Napoli, who agreed to terms on a three-year deal with the Red Sox at the Winter Meetings. That deal has not been finalized.