WASHINGTON, Pa. — Home run king Barry Bonds has his first offer on the free agent market — from the independent Washington Wild Things, who play not far from where Bonds began his major league career in Pittsburgh.

Of course, a pay cut is involved.

Bonds, who made about $16 million last season for the Giants, must settle for the independent Frontier League's maximum salary of $1,200 per month.

There are extras, though: The Wild Things are offering a 50-50 cut on merchandise sales and a pledge to find a host family for Bonds so he doesn't have to rent an apartment in this southwestern Pennsylvania city.

On the road, Bonds is being promised a king-sized single room, a major perk on the minor league level.

"Many of the great ones eventually return to where their careers began," general manager Ross Vecchio said. "Babe Ruth began his career with the Red Sox and then finished it with the Boston Braves. Willie Mays started with the New York Giants and finished with the Mets. Hank Aaron began and ended his career in Milwaukee."

Bonds can make more money by reaching incentives for breaking the Frontier League's single-season records for home runs (35), RBI (100) and walks (85).

Washington offers Bonds a route back to the majors, Vecchio said, with 17 former Wild Things players moving on to affiliated minor league teams since the franchise began play in 2002.

"This contract gives Barry the opportunity to play once again in Western Pennsylvania as he continues his career," Vecchio said.

The Wild Things aren't the first team to offer a contract to a superstar free agent. The Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens recently sent Alex Rodriguez a contract offer that included incentives if he hits 75 home runs for them next season.