San Diego, CA -- (Sports Network) - The San Diego Padres picked up their option on outfielder Brian Giles' contract Friday, bringing him back for 2009.

The Padres had until Saturday to pick up the option or pay a $3 million buyout, making Giles a free agent.

The 37-year-old Giles hit .306 last season in 147 games, with 12 home runs, a career-high 40 doubles and 63 runs batted in.

From 1999-2002, Giles hit at least 35 homers in every season, but his power has dropped off in recent years. He has not hit more than 15 in any of the last four seasons, despite playing in at least 120 games -- twice playing 158.

But last season, Giles was among National League leaders in average (sixth) and on-base percentage (sixth -- .398).

In 14 seasons with Cleveland, Pittsburgh and San Diego, Giles owns a career .294 batting average and .404 on-base percentage with 285 homers and 1,055 RBI.