Source: Lucas agrees to Minor League deal
Versatile infielder posted .255 average over two seasons in Majors
SEATTLE -- Veteran infielder Ed Lucas, who spent last season in Triple-A with the Rangers, has agreed to a Minor League deal with the Mariners and will be invited to Major League camp, according to a source.
The Mariners haven't announced the deal yet, pending a physical.
Lucas, 33, posted a .255/.302/.323 line with five home runs and 37 RBIs in 163 games for the Marlins in 2013-14. He hit .316/.389/.420 with six homers and 48 RBIs in 107 games for Triple-A Round Rock last year.
Lucas would provide depth and versatility, as he played all four infield positions and both corner outfield spots during his time with Miami, and he has played every position except catcher during a 12-year Minor League career.
Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto said Thursday that his Major League roster was close to being set, but that he'd continue adding competition for the final roster spots. Lucas played mostly at first and third base last year, and he could compete for playing time as a right-handed-hitting complement to newly acquired first baseman Adam Lind.
Jesus Montero is the front-runner for that spot, and he put up a .355/.398/.569 line with 18 homers and 85 RBIs last year for Triple-A Tacoma. Montero also hit .223 with five homers and 19 RBIs in 38 games for Seattle, but he is still transitioning to first base and the Mariners will wait to see how he handles the defensive aspect in Spring Training.