Mariners sign Kelly Shoppach

The Seattle Mariners have signed catcher Kelly Shoppach to a 1-year contract, reports Greg Johns of MLB.com.

The deal is reportedly for $1.5 million, reports Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com. He can make up to $500,000 extra in incentives.

Shoppach, 32, has played for the Boston twice, Cleveland, Tampa Bay, and the Mets. He has been a bench player for the majority of his career, but could see more playing time for the Mariners. Shoppach should get some of the plate appearances John Jaso was going to get.

Shoppach has a career line of .226/.314/.418, but most of his value has come against left-handed pitching. He has a split versus lefties, which is shown by his .267/.358/.510 line against opposite-handed pitchers.

The Mets traded for Shoppach mid-season, but elected against bringing him back despite their need at catcher.

The signing of Shoppach may signal that Seattle does not intend to further pursue Jesus Montero as a catcher, and will instead use Shoppach as a stopgap until prospect Mike Zunino is ready for the full-time job.

The Mariners continue to acquire power-hitter, with Shoppach joining the list that includes Michael Morse, Jason Bay, and Kendrys Morales.

It remains to be seen if moving the fences in will aid these players in the home run department.