UPDATE: CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman reports that it’s a one-year deal with an option. Iannetta will receive $4.25 million plus incentives.
6:21 p.m. ET: After it was reported earlier this month that the two sides were nearing a deal, the Mariners just announced that they have signed veteran catcher Chris Iannetta to a one-year contract. No word yet on the terms involved.
Iannetta turns 33 next April and is coming off a rough season with the Angels where he batted just .188/.293/.335 over 92 games. However, he owns a .351 on-base percentage for his career and offers some pop, especially against left-handed pitching. He at least gives the Mariners an experienced alternative to Mike Zunino, who has really struggled in the early part of his career. Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto previously traded for Iannetta when he was with the Angels and will hope for a rebound in 2016.
Mariners catchers ranked worst in the majors with a .464 OPS this past season. That’s not a misprint. By the way, Giants pitchers had a .463 OPS.
The Mariners designated John Hicks for assignment in order to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for the newly-signed Iannetta.
