Mariners sign Chris Iannetta to 1-year deal

The Mariners have signed catcher Chris Iannetta to a 1-year contract that includes an option for 2017, according to a team announcement. The deal will pay $4.25 million and includes incentives, according to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com.

#Mariners sign catcher @Chris_Iannetta to 1-year deal. https://t.co/TZPUXBKkLx pic.twitter.com/ivwQpxJuvq

— MarinersPR (@MarinersPR) November 23, 2015

Iannetta, 32, had been linked to the Mariners for the better part of two weeks after hitting the free agent market. His signing re-unites him with Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto, who has worked in the front offices of both of Iannetta's previous teams in Colorado and Anaheim.

Iannetta also drew interest from the Braves and Twins this fall, according to sources, though those teams filled their catching needs early in the off-season with their respective additions of A.J. Pierzynski and John Ryan Murphy. Seattle has been known to be on the lookout for veteran catching help, and has also had interest in signing Jarrod Saltalamacchia.

Iannetta will likely see a significant amount of time behind the dish for a Mariners team that had Mike Zunino and Jesus Sucre as its primary options at the position last season. Seattle has been the most aggressive team so far this offseason, signing Iannetta and outfielder Franklin Gutierrez while acquiring Nathan Karns, C.J. Riefenhauser, Joaquin Benoit, Leonys Martin, Anthony Bass and Luis Sardinas in trades.

In 10 major-league seasons with the Rockies (2006-11) and Angels (2012-15), Iannetta is the owner of a lifetime .231/.351/.405 line with 100 home runs and 378 RBI. The former University of North Carolina Tar Heel hit .188 with the Angels in 2015.

To keep track of every free-agent signing this winter, be sure to check out our Free Agent Tracker.