Mariners sign outfielders Endy Chavez and Franklin Gutierrez to Minor League deals

SEATTLE, Wash. - Seattle Mariners Executive Vice President & General Manager of Baseball Operations Jack Zduriencik announced today the club signed veteran outfielders Endy Chavez and Franklin Gutierrez to minor league contracts with invitations to Major League Spring Training.

Chavez, 36 (turns 37 Feb. 7), appeared in 80 games with the Mariners last season. He hit .276 (64x232) with 12 doubles, 2 triples, 2 home runs and 23 RBI while playing all three outfield positions. This is the third consecutive spring training Endy will be a non-roster invite with the Mariners.

A veteran of 13 Major League seasons, Chavez has appeared in 1,151 career games with the Royals (2001), Expos (2002-04), Nationals (2005), Phillies (2005), Mets (2006-08), Mariners (2009, 2013-14), Rangers (2011) and Orioles (2012).

Gutierrez, 31 (turns 32 Feb. 21), is looking to make a comeback after not playing professional baseball last season. Gutierrez last appeared in the Majors in 41 games with the Mariners in 2013, batting .248 with 7 doubles and 10 home runs. He missed 106 games in two DL stints with a strained right hamstring, April 23-June 21 & June 25-Aug. 25. Gutierrez battled several injuries and illnesses during a three-season span from 2011-2013 that allowed him to appear in only 173 of 486 team games, making 6 separate trips to the disabled list. He was an American League Gold Glove winner in 2010.

Pitchers and catchers will report to spring training in Peoria, AZ on Feb. 20 (physicals) and hold the first workout Feb. 21. Position players are scheduled to report for physicals Feb. 24 and the first full-squad workout will be Feb. 25.

The Mariners Spring Training roster is currently at 57 players (40 roster, 17 non-roster), including 27 pitchers (7 non-roster), 6 catchers (3 non-roster), 12 infielders (3 non-roster) and 12 outfielders (4 non-roster).