A.J. Pierzynski will reportedly sign with Texas Rangers if he passes physical

Following a career season offensively, former Chicago White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski is nearing the conclusion of a one-year free agent deal with the Texas Rangers, according to a report by Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com.

Pierzynski still needs to pass his physical to make the deal official. He has been a top offensive target for the Rangers this offseason after the organization let Mike Napoli walk in free agency. Likely to assume the No. 1 catcher spot in 2013 ahead of recently signed veteran Geovany Soto, who also received a one-year deal, Pierzynski's production at the plate could also make him a viable option in the designated hitter slot.

Over eight strong seasons in Chicago, Pierzynski hit .279 with 118 home runs and 460 RBIs in 1,068 games. The catcher ended his career in a White Sox uniform on an incredibly high note, and he will always be remembered for his role on Chicago's 2005 World Series championship squad.