New York.– The Cincinnati Reds signed free-agent speedster Willy Taveras to a two-year contract yesterday, filling the team's need for a center fielder and leadoff hitter.

The deal, for an undisclosed amount, was announced by general manager Walt Jocketty. Taveras, 27, who played for the Colorado Rockies for two injury-plagued seasons, led the majors with 68 stolen bases in 2008. He batted only .251, however, with a .308 on-base percentage, one home run and 26 RBIs.

The Dominican Republic native is a lifetime .283 hitter with seven homers, 109 RBIs and 169 stolen bases. He became a free agent when the Rockies, who acquired him from Houston in December 2006, decided not to offer him a contract by the Dec. 12 deadline.