We heard about the possibility of a reunion over the weekend and the Mariners made it official today by signing outfielder Franklin Gutierrez to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.
Gutierrez, who turns 32 next month, sat out the entire 2014 season due to a gastrointestinal issue. However, he’s been playing winter ball in Venezuela and wants to continue his playing career.
Gutierrez hit 18 homers in 2009 and won a Gold Glove Award in 2010 for his excellent defense in center field, but constant injuries have derailed his career. He has played a grand total of 173 games dating back to 2011. The Mariners obviously can’t count on him given his history, but it’s a low-risk flier.
