KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Rick Ankiel and the Kansas City Royals have agreed to a $3.25 million, one-year contract, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity Friday because the deal, which is subject to a physical, had not yet been announced.

Ankiel started his career as a pitcher with the Cardinals, going 11-7 with a 3.50 ERA in 2000 before suffering control problems in the playoffs that year. The left-hander was never an effective pitcher again, but made it back to the majors as an outfielder.

Ankiel hit .264 with 25 homers in 2008, his first full season as an outfielder in St. Louis, but dropped off to .231 and 11 homers last season. He joins a crowded Royals outfield corps that includes Jose Guillen, David DeJesus, Scott Posednik, Mitch Maier and Brian Anderson.

Ankiel gets $2.75 million this year, and the agreement includes a $6 million mutual option for 2011 with a $500,000 buyout. If the Royals exercise the option and Ankiel negates it, the buyout would be reduced to $250,000.

He can earn an additional $500,000 in performance bonuses this year: $125,000 each for 90 games or 405 plate appearances, 100-450, 110-495 and 120-540.