Marlins sign Wes Helms to 1-year extension

The Florida Marlins have signed third baseman Wes Helms to a $1 million, one-year contract extension through the 2011 season.

The Marlins generally don't sign players to extensions during the season, but have been talking to Helms for several weeks about returning. Helms is hitting .225 with four homers and 22 RBIs in 178 at-bats in 91 games.

Helms, 34, is expected to become a coach or a minor league manager after his career ends, which he said could be as early as the end of the 2011 season. He broke into the majors with Atlanta in 1998.