Jim Edmonds is returning to St. Louis after a three-year absence. The Cardinals announced that they agreed to sign Edmonds to a minor league deal with an invitation to Spring Training, (Twitter link).

It appeared likely that Edmonds would retire last weekend, but the 40-year-old is returning for an 18th season in the major leagues. Eight of those seasons came in St. Louis, where Edmonds hit .285/.393/.555 from 2000-07 and was a key player on the '06 World Champions.

Edmonds appeared in just 86 games last year after sitting out the 2009 season, but he can still play. He posted a .276/.342/.504 line for the Reds and Brewers, adding 11 homers and 23 doubles. The eight-time Gold Glove winner played first base and all three outfield positions.