DETROIT -- Alexis Gomez is returning to the home of his greatest success. The former Tigers outfielder is rejoining the organization after agreeing to terms on a Minor League contract with an invitation to Major League Spring Training, according to an industry source.

Now 30 years old, Gomez last played in the big leagues in 2006 in Detroit, where he became part of the lore of the Tigers' surprising World Series run. Playing in his first career postseason game, he hit a two-run homer and recorded four RBIs in Game 2 of the American League Championship Series at Oakland. He went 4-for-9 in three games of the four-game ALCS sweep, helping make up for the left-handed bat lost when the injured Sean Casey missed the series.

But the short-term glory didn't translate into a Major League role. Gomez signed with Colorado that winter and spent the 2007 season at Triple-A Colorado Springs before joining the Marlins organization last year at Triple-A Albuquerque. He batted .234 with five doubles, four home runs and 12 RBIs in 23 games for the Isotopes, covering 73 at-bats.

Gomez spent the offseason playing for the Aguilas of the Dominican League, batting .245 with two homers, nine RBIs and 14 walks in 19 games.

By returning to the Detroit organization, Gomez provides the Tigers some depth and an additional left-handed bat in the outfield, as last month's trade of Matt Joyce and the late-season surgery for Clete Thomas have thinned out some names heading into Spring Training. Plus, he returns to familiar surroundings, where he has produced.

Gomez hit .307 with seven homers, 55 RBIs and 21 stolen bases for Toledo in 2005 before hitting .288 with 11 homers and 36 RBIs over 58 games in his follow-up season with the Mud Hens. He batted .272 that year for the Tigers in 62 games, mainly as a late-game replacement.

Gomez's contract calls for a $415,000 salary if he were to spend the entire season in the big leagues. The Denver Post first reported the agreement.