Mark Prior, cut loose by the Cubs earlier this month, has agreed to terms with the San Diego Padres.
An announcement is expected to come sometime Wednesday.
Prior, 27, last pitched in the big leagues in 2006, and had shoulder surgery in April of 2007.
The second overall pick in the 2001 draft, Prior went 18-6 for the Cubs in 2003 before experiencing a series of physical problems. He was born in San Diego and lives in San Diego County, and the Padres' hope is that he is able to join a rotation that already includes Jake Peavy, Chris Young, Greg Maddux and Randy Wolf.
He has been throwing on flat ground, and to date, has been free of pain since his surgery.
Prior's lifetime record in the big leagues is 42-29, with a 3.51 ERA.