The Mariners announced that they have signed free agent catcher Kelly Shoppach to a one-year, Major League contract. The LSW Baseball client will earn $1.5MM in base salary and up to $500K in incentives.
Shoppach split the 2012 season between the Red Sox and Mets, appearing in 76 total games. The right-handed hitter posted a .233/.309/.425 batting line with eight home runs. In eight big league seasons, Shoppach has a .267/.358/.510 batting line against left-handed pitching. He earned $1.135MM last year and wasn't linked to any teams this offseason.
Shoppach joins a Mariners roster that includes catchers Jesus Montero and Ronny Paulino. The Mariners recently traded John Jaso to Oakland in the three-way deal that brought Michael Morse to Seattle.
Greg Johns of MLB.com first reported the agreement and ESPN's Jerry Crasnick first reported the value of the deal (Twitter link).
