St. Louis, MO -- (Sports Network) - The St. Louis Cardinals announced Friday that catcher Jason LaRue signed a one-year deal for the upcoming season.

The 34-year-old, who was a free agent, spent 2008 with the club as backup to starter Yadier Molina. He hit .213 in 61 games with four home runs and 21 RBI.

LaRue holds a lifetime average of .231 with 92 homers and 337 RBI over 842 games with Cincinnati, Kansas City and St. Louis.