Seattle Mariners Sign Former Outfielder After 3 Years Out Of Majors

He spent nine years in the major leagues from 2011 to 2019, a couple of those years with the Seattle Mariners. But over the last three seasons, the once-speedy outfielder Leonys Martin has been plying his trade in Japan. He's back in 2023 for another crack at the majors.

Old friend alert: the Mariners have signed veteran outfielder Leonys Martin to a minor league contract with a non-roster invite to spring training. He’s been playing in Japan for Chiba Lotte since mid-2019.

— Ryan Divish (@RyanDivish) February 9, 2023

The Mariners have signed Martin to a minor league contract with an invite to major league spring training. 

And while his time in the majors was marked by elite stolen base totals, he's transitioned over the past few years, now in his 30s, into a power hitter. 

Martin struggled with Chiba Lotte in the NPB last year, batting just .170 with a .643 OPS. In 2021, he hit .230 but blasted 27 home runs with an .845 OPS. He hit 25 HR the year before in Japan, as well. His stolen base totals have dwindled into the single digits. 

He played Gold Glove caliber defense in his earlier stint in the bigs, and the M's will see if he can be a depth piece for them in the outfield.

Photo: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports