The Mariners Monday signed free agent catcher Humberto Quintero to a minor league contract and extended an invitation to spring training next month in Peoria, AZ. Quintero, who split last season between the Mariners and Philadelphia Phillies, is not on the club’s 40-man roster.
Quintero, 34, appeared in 22 games for the Mariners last season, batting .224 with two home runs. Defensively, he combined to throw out 12 of 33 attempted base stealers (36.4 percent) with the Mariners and Phillies.
Quintero is a veteran of 11 major league seasons with the Padres (2003-2004), Astros (2005-2011), Royals (2012), Phillies (2013) and Mariners (2013). He began his professional career in 1997 in the Chicago White Sox organization.
The Mariners have signed four players to minor league deals that include an invitation to spring training: OF Cole Gillespie, RHP Matt Palmer, RHP Ramon Ramirez and Quintero.
Pitchers and catchers report Feb. 12 with the first on-field activity Feb. 13. Position players report Feb. 17 with the first full-squad workout Feb. 18.
YourThoughts