The bargain-hunting Miami Marlins signed former Seattle Mariners infielder Chone Figgins to a minor-league deal with an invitation to major-league spring training. Figgins, now 35 years old, was released in November from the Mariners, still owed $8 million from a $36 million four-year deal that was signed before the 2010 season.
If Figgins makes the Miami roster the team would only owe him $490,000, the league minimum.
Figgins is a former All-Star who played eight seasons with Los Angeles Angels. Figgins finished 10th in American League most valuable player balloting in 2009. In 308 games in Seattle Figgins batted .227/.304/.283. Figgins offers the Marlins positional flexibility having played third base, second base, and the outfield.
Figgins’ biggest weapon is his speed, and making the Marlins roster will be predicated on his ability to get on base, something that was lost in his time with Seattle. The addition of Figgins brings to 74 the number of players who will be in camp when the Marlins open spring training next week.
