The Seattle Mariners have signed free agent catcher Chris Iannetta to a one year deal.
Under the terms of the deal the veteran backstop will make $4.25 million next season according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports. The Mariners will also have the option to bring back Iannetta for the 2017 season as his deal carries a team option. Ianneta’s team option can turn into a vesting option based on the number of games played.
Last season Iannetta hit just .188/.293/.335 with 10 home runs for the Los Angeles Angels. His past experience with new Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto who previously held the same position with the Angles likely had a little to do with this being his landing spot.
“He brings us a veteran batter with an idea when he steps into the box,” Dipoto said via the Seattle Times. “This is a .350 career on-base guy that really knows how to drive a long at-bat. He does a lot to help your lineup get longer.”
The signing of Iannetta allows the Mariners to consider their options with Mike Zunino, 24, who is still viewed the future catcher of the team. In his sophomore season Zunino struggled badly and the signing of Iannetta may in fact allow the Mariners to start him at Triple-A this season where he would get regular at-bats, boost his confidence and not be a detriment to the big league roster should he fail to perform.
