Looking to shore up their beleaguered bullpen, the Rockies are bringing back right-handed reliever LaTroy Hawkins. He will be given the opportunity to be the club’s closer.

Major-league sources confirmed Monday night that Hawkins has signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract to pitch for the Rockies in 2014. The contract includes a buyout of $250,000 on a club option for 2015.

The deal is pending Hawkins’ passing a physical that has been scheduled for Thursday.

The initial plan is for Hawkins to move into the closer’s role, meaning that lefty Rex Brothers will return to his setup job. After being thrust into a closer role this past season, Brothers converted 19 of his 21 save opportunities, going 0-1 with a 2.33 ERA in save situations. Though Hawkins is penciled in as the closer, a final decision will be determined in spring training.

Hawkins, who turns 41 on Dec. 21, was a solid reliever for the New York Mets in 2013. In his 19th big-league season, he posted a 3-2 record and a 2.93 ERA in 72 relief appearances. Hawkins struck out 55 and walked just 10. He also notched 13 saves during the season’s final two months when he filled in for closer Bobby Parnell, who began suffering from a herniated disc in his neck.

Hawkins pitched for the Rockies in 2007, helping the team reach its only World Series. He went 2-5 with a 3.42 ERA in 62 appearances that season and was credited with providing leadership for a young bullpen. Hawkins has pitched for 10 teams in his major-league career.

The Rockies’ bullpen, hurt by injuries and inconsistency, posted a 4.23 ERA in 2013, the worst in the National League. Reoccurring injuries to closer Rafael Betancourt left the bullpen short of quality depth, and Betancourt was lost for good in August when he suffered a season-ending elbow injury. After undergoing Tommy John surgery, Betancourt is expected to miss the entire 2014 season, and the Rockies declined his $4.25 million option.

Two weeks ago, the Rockies picked up the $4.25 million mutual option on right-hander Matt Belisle, even though Belisle struggled in 2013, going 5-7 with a 4.32 ERA. Belisle has appeared in 302 games over the last four seasons — the most in the majors. However, Belisle has repeatedly said his arm is not tired and he is not overworked.

The Rockies entered the offseason seeking power arms to boost their bullpen. In addition to Hawkins, the club has expressed interest in Brian Wilson, Grant Balfour, Jose Veras and Joe Smith.

Patrick Saunders: psaunders@denverpost.com or twitter.com/psaundersdp