The team announced Tuesday afternoon that the 39-year-old outfielder has signed a minor league contract with an invitation to major league spring training.
Abreu, who played nine seasons with the Phillies from 1998 to 2006, did not play in the majors last season.
He, however, batted .322 with a .416 on-base percentage in the Venezuelan Winter League.
During his tenure in Philly, Abreu batted .303 with a .416 on-base percentage, 348 doubles, 195 home runs and 814 RBIs. He played 1,353 games with the Phillies.
Abreu was traded to the New York Yankees as part of a six-player deal prior to the trade deadline in 2006.
A two-time All-Star (2004-05), Abreu has collected 2,437 career hits, 287 home runs, 1,349 RBI and 399 stolen bases over 17 seasons between the Houston Astros (1996-97), Phillies, Yankees (2006-08), Los Angeles Angels (2009-12) and Los Angeles Dodgers (2012).
He ranks 22nd in baseball history in walks (1,456) and 23rd in doubles (565).
Abreu was originally signed by the Astros as an amateur free agent in 1990 out of Aragua, Venezuela.
Meanwhile, the Phillies and pitcher Antonio Bastardo have avoided arbitration, agreeing to a 1-year, $2 million contract, which includes performance bonuses.
