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DALLAS, Texas -- Slugger Sammy Sosa signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers on Tuesday, taking a first step towards a return to the major leagues.

A seven-time All-Star and former-National League MVP, Sosa reportedly agreed to an incentive-laden deal with a base salary of $500,000 but could earn another $2.2 million based on his number of plate appearances.

"I feel born again," the 38-year-old Sosa told MLB.com.

"There is a lot left in my body and I'm going to give it to the Texas Rangers.

"I think I can play as long as I want to play. I'm not going to play until I'm 48 or 49, but I think I have four or five more years left in my body.

"If they give me the at-bats, I'm going to perform. I know I can make that team."

Sosa will arrive at spring training having to earn his spot on the Rangers roster, a far cry from just a few seasons back when he was pounding home runs for Chicago Cubs with a guaranteed place and million dollar contracts.

In 1998, Sosa and Mark McGwire staged a riveting assault on Roger Maris' single season home run record.

McGwire hit 70 homers to claim the record while Sosa hammered 66, winning the hearts of baseball fans in the United States and his native Dominican Republic for his sportsmanship and enthusiastic play.

But like McGwire, Sosa's career has been tainted by steroid scandals and he was also suspended for using a corked bat.

Walking out

Sosa left the Cubs in disgrace after walking out on the team during the last game of the 2004 season before it was finished.

"It was one of those things, a lot of speculation but no evidence," said Sosa when asked about the steroid allegations.

"Everybody knows the way I've played the game for years. When it comes time to talk about Mark (McGwire), I don't have anything to say. I know the person I am.

"I know how to play baseball. My numbers are there. My numbers don't lie. I'm not going to every fans home, knock on the door and say the things I can say."

Sosa has not played since the 2005 season when he belted just 14 homers for the Baltimore Orioles and he needs another 12 to become the fifth player in Major League history to hit 600.