Seattle Mariners Sign Free Agent Former Star Shortstop

An 11-year major league veteran, he's had three 20-HR seasons in the big leagues, but had yet to find a job in MLB this season... until now. The Seattle Mariners have signed Didi Gregorius to a minor league contract. 

The Seattle Mariners and Didi Gregorius are in agreement on a minor league deal, per @AlgodonerosUL pic.twitter.com/vgc3LejnIe

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) June 8, 2023

The former New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies shortstop had been playing in the Mexican League this season to keep busy and stay on teams' radars. He had blasted a league-leading 11 homers and had a 1.208 OPS with Union Laguna. He was even set to take part in the Mexican League's Home Run Derby.

Per multiple sources in Mexico, Didi Gregorius has signed a minor league contract with the Mariners. 🇳🇱

He has 34 RBI and 11 HR (league lead) with a 1.208 OPS in 26 games with @AlgodonerosUL, and was scheduled to participate in the LMB Home Run Derby. pic.twitter.com/hiEBiIQXo5

— Shawn Spradling (@Shawn_Spradling) June 8, 2023

For now, he'll start at Triple-A Tacoma for the M's and serve as organizational depth. But certainly if he continues to rake like he has been in Mexico, he could get a call-up to Seattle.  

Gregorius last played in the majors with the Phillies last season, but was racked by injuries, as he had been for the past four years, and was a shell of his former self, batting just .210 with one home run in 63 games.

His best MLB seasons were with the Yankees in 2017 and 2018, when he hit 25+ HR with 85+ RBIs both years, and was a Top 20 finisher in MVP balloting in each season.

Photo: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports