The Mariners signed their final arbitration eligible player Saturday when the club agreed to a deal with 1B Justin Smoak for 2014 with a vesting option for the club in 2015 if he reaches 525 plate appearances. Smoak will get $2.64 million and a $150,000 buyout on a $3.65 million option for 2015, according to Sportsnet.ca.
Smoak filed for $3.25 million in arbitration. The Mariners countered with $2.025 million.
Smoak, 27, started 124 of 131 games at first base. He hit a career-high 20 home runs with 50 RBI, hitting .238/.334/.412. Smoak led the team with 30 two-out RBIs. His fielding percentage ranked fifth among AL first basemen. He has a career. 228 average.
Smoak probably will be joined in a 1B/DH rotation by new acquisitions Logan Morrison and Corey Hart, who also will play the corner outfield spots.
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