Mariners Sign Veteran Free Agent Infielder

While the Seattle Mariners have been playing in the deep water of the big names on the trade market—and securing one of the biggest names in Luis Castillo—they're also looking to tread into shallow waters and add pieces around the margins. Today, they've acquired some infield depth.

Mariners adding some help for Class AAA Tacoma, picking up Jonathan Villar on a minor league deal.

— Ryan Divish (@RyanDivish) August 1, 2022

10-year major league veteran infielder Jonathan Villar has signed on with his 3rd team of the season, after being recently DFA'd by the Los Angeles Angels, and previously by the Chicago Cubs.

The Mariners have signed the speedy vet to a minor league contract, and will start off at Triple-A Tacoma. 

Villar has hit just .208 in his combined 59 games this season, with a .562 OPS, both considerably below his lifetime averages of .255 and .719. 

The 31-year-old had signed a one-year, $6M deal with the Cubs before the season, but he was released after just 46 games. He hooked up with the Angels after that, but really struggled in Anaheim, batting just .163.

He does have plenty of defensive versatility, and with a bit of pop and plenty of speed, he still might offer some help to the Mariners before the season is out.

Photo: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports