SEATTLE -- The Mariners added a right-handed bat, agreeing to a one-year contract with outfielder Eric Byrnes.
Byrnes, who will turn 34 on Feb. 16, was let loose two weeks ago by the Arizona Diamondbacks. Arizona owed him US$11 million from the final season of a $30 million contract, and any team could sign him for the $400,000 minimum, with the Diamondbacks responsible for the remainder.
He a career .260 hitter with 189 doubles, 30 triples and 109 homers. Seattle general manager Jack Zderiencik said on Thursday the Mariners wanted to add a veteran, right-handed bat to their lineup.
Byrnes was hampered by injuries the past two seasons and hit just .226 in 84 games last year.
