MLB Free Agents: Seattle Mariners Sign Carlos Guillen
By Editorial Staff
The Seattle Mariners reached a one-year agreement with free agent infielder Carlos Guillen yesterday. The deal, which is of the minor league variety, includes a Spring Training invite. Guillen will receive a $1 million base salary if he makes the major league club plus incentives based on plate appearances.
Guillen began his major league career with the Mariners back in 1998. He played sparingly until the 2001 season when he became the Mariners regular shortstop. Seattle traded Guillen to the Tigers in January of 2004, and that’s where he’s been ever since.
Since the trade, Guillen’s appeared in three All-Star games for the Tigers, posting impressive numbers from 2004 through 2008.
Unfortunately for Guillen, injuries have taken their toll. The 36-year-old has only played in 177 games over the past three seasons, including a mere 28 in 2011. As expected, Guillen’s performance has taken a hit as a result. Last season for the Tigers Guillen was only able to post an OPS of .633 over his 102 plate appearances.
Guillen has played all over the field during his career. Though he’s mostly manned second base since 2010, Guillen is expected to compete for time at third and in the outfield this spring.
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You can check out all of the available free agents by position below.