SAN DIEGO — David Eckstein and the San Diego Padres have agreed to a one-year contract, and the 2006 World Series MVP is expected to play second base for San Diego.

Eckstein, who turns 34 on Tuesday, was the starting shortstop on two 100-win teams during his three seasons in St. Louis. He won World Series titles with the Cardinals (2006) and Anaheim Angels (2002).

Eckstein signed with Toronto before last season and was traded to Arizona for a prospect on Aug. 31.

He'll join a Padres team that has been in a salary-slashing mode since losing 99 games last season, its worst finish in 15 years. Former Diamondbacks CEO Jeff Moorad is negotiating to buy the Padres, a move precipitated by owner John Moores' divorce from wife Becky.