Photo of Michael Barrett courtesy of the Montreal Expos

MONTREAL– The Montreal Expos today agreed to terms with catcher Michael Barrett on a one-year contract for the 2003 season, avoiding salary arbitration in the process. The announcement was made by Expos' Vice-President and General Manager Omar Minaya. Last year, Barrett hit .263 (99x376) with 12 HR, 49 RBI and 41 runs scored in 117 games, while starting 105 games behind the plate. He set career highs in HR, walks (40) and stolen bases (six).

In 472 career games, Barrett has hit .260 (409x1575) with 28 HR, 163 RBI and 167 runs scored. The native of Atlanta, Ga., entered the majors with Montreal in 1998 after being chosen by the Expos in the first round of the 1995 June Draft (28th overall). Barrett set a team record last year for most RBI in a two-game span when he drove in 11 runs April 8-10 (off-day April 9), including a career-high six RBI April 10 in a 9-7 win at Florida. The previous team standard was 10 RBI, set by Gary Carter August 25-26, 1981.

The 26-year-old began last season on a torrid pace, batting .348 (24x69) in April, while hitting .300 or better through June 21.

Barrett, who was named the National League's co-winner of the Player of the Week award for April 8-14, made his major-league debut at first base May 8, while he also played a total of six games at the position - including two starts.

The signing of Barrett leaves only shortstop Orlando Cabrera and pitchers Joey Eischen, Orlando Hernandez and Javier Vazquez eligible for salary arbitration.

Montreal Expos – 16 January 2003