"Jim Thome is a Phillie again.

Could Michael Cuddyer be next?

The Phillies will sign Thome to a one-year, $1.25 million contract once he passes a physical on Saturday in Philadelphia, according to a source.

Thome, 41, hit 96 of his career 604 homers with the Phillies from 2003 to 2005 and will give the team some much-needed left-handed pop off the bench.

Thome finished the 2011 season with the Cleveland Indians. He spent most of the last two seasons with the Minnesota Twins and there are strong indications that the Phillies would like to reunite him with one of his former Minnesota teammates.

According to sources, the Phillies are in serious pursuit of free-agent Michael Cuddyer, who has spent his entire career with the Twins.

Cuddyer is a right-handed hitter, who has averaged 22 homers and 82 RBIs the last three seasons. He is also versatile and can play both corner outfield spots as well as first base and third base.

The Phils are in need of depth at first base and in leftfield. First baseman Ryan Howard, recovering from a torn Achilles tendon, is expected to open the season on the disabled list. It's possible the Phils could use leftfielder John Mayberry Jr. at first while Howard mends. If that happens, Cuddyer would be valuable in left field – if the Phils can sign him. Cuddyer is considered a high-character, team-first guy and is being pursued by a number of teams. He and Thome are good friends so signing Thome could help the Phils in their quest to land Cuddyer."