Jeff Klein, Kent's agent, said in an e-mail that his client had advised Dodgers' general manager Ned Colletti that he intends to play next year.

"He is actively pursuing his customary and rigorous offseason conditioning and weightlifting program, and is very focused on helping his team win the World Series this year," Klein wrote. "He asked me to wish all of you and your families a happy holiday season."

The Dodgers also announced today that slugging outfielder Andruw Jones had finalized his $36.2 million, two-year contract. Jones was scheduled to appear at a Dodger Stadium news conference later in the day.

Kent, who turns 40 in March, hit .302 with a team-leading 20 homers and 79 RBIs last season despite being slowed by a strained hamstring in the second half.

Kent said at season's end, following the Dodgers' disappointing finish, that he was uncertain about next year, but new manager Joe Torre said last month at his introductory news conference that Kent seemed excited about the 2008 season.

"I don't know Jeff Kent. I felt pretty upbeat and positive he was coming back next year," Torre said. "Hopefully that's the case."

Kent has hit 365 homers and 537 doubles in his career, making him one of 16 major leaguers to reach 350 homers and 500 doubles. He has a lifetime batting average of .290.

Kent guaranteed his $9 million option for next season by making his 550th plate appearance in late September, but expressed his frustrations regarding the team's collapse, saying some of the Dodgers' younger players lacked professionalism and their inexperience had hurt the team.