Seattle Mariners Designate Chone Figgins

By Marc Jenkins
Chone Figgins Let Go by Seattle Mariners
Kim Klement-US Presswire

During the MLB free agency period following the 2009 season, infielder Chone Figgins was one of the major attractions that several big league teams coveted to obtain and place on their roster. The Seattle Mariners made what at the time was looked at as a big splash by signing Figgins to a four-year, $36 million and in essence stealing him away for their division rivals the Los Angeles Angles in the process.

Now just three years later the Mariners have decided to part ways with Figgins by designating him for assignment on Tuesday night.

During Figgins’ three seasons in Seattle, the 11-year veteran hit just .227 with an on-base percentage of .302 in a total of 302 games played. Figgins’ tumultuous tenure with the Mariners was highlighted (or low-lighted if you will) by hitting .181 in 66 games during the 2012 season and losing his job as an everyday player in the Seattle lineup.

The Mariners must still pay Figgins the remaining $8 million for the final year of the deal, but will not be on the hook for the $9 million performance triggered option for the 2014 season. Seattle made the move in order to prepare their 40-man roster for the upcoming 2013 season.

The Mariners have 10 days to attempt to facilitate a trade for Figgins to receive some sort of compensation for him, however it is likely that they won’t receive any offers and he will be given his outright release. Seattle felt this move was necessary in order to protect some of the younger prospects which they have in their organization that they have high expectations for.

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