Bonds, who hit 73 home runs last season to set a new record, had been free to leave the Giants after his contract had expired.

But the 37-year-old turned down his free agent status and will now talk to San Francisco about a new deal.

He is now considered a signed player and he could end up with a one-year contract worth at least $20 million.

Bonds, who also won a record fourth most valuable player award last season, had hoped for a big money move to another club.

There had been speculation that the New York Yankees and Mets might be interested.

But Bonds' price - he was said to be seeking $100m over five years - his age and his reputation as a selfish team-mate may have deterred owners.

The only public bid came in December from the Giants who offered him $72m over four years.

Bret Boone and David Bell also accepted pay deals, with the high-flying Seattle Mariners.

Pokey Reese

But eighteen players including pitcher Chan Ho Park (Los Angeles) and outfielders Juan Gonzalez (Cleveland) and Johnny Damon (Oakland) rejected their offers.

Four other free agents found teams, with outfielder Moises Alou agreeing to a $27m, three-year contract with the Chicago Cubs and pitcher John Burkett getting an $11m, two-year deal with Boston.

Pitcher Dave Burba agreed to a $2m, one-year deal with the Texas Rangers and pitcher Dennis Cook got a $1.25m, one-year deal at Anaheim.

In addition, the Red Sox acquired second baseman Pokey Reese from Colorado for catcher Scott Hatteberg.