The A's have agreed to terms on a minor league deal with free-agent third baseman Dallas McPherson, assistant general manager David Forst confirmed.

McPherson, 29, will receive an invitation to spring training. With third baseman Eric Chavez a question mark entering the season as he recovers from back surgery, McPherson should have a legitimate chance to make the A's roster and perhaps start.

Adam Kennedy, who played well at third in place of Chavez last season, is a free agent. Bobby Crosby, another free agent who played third, is not expected back.

McPherson was a highly regarded prospect in the Los Angeles Angels' organization after being drafted in the second round in 2001. But his career has yet to pan out. Like Chavez, he's been plagued with back problems and missed the entire 2007 and 2009 seasons because of them.

But his agent told espn.com that McPherson will be at full strength for spring training after having back surgery in July.