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Mariners sign La Stella to 1-year deal

David Berding / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The Seattle Mariners and infielder Tommy La Stella agreed on a one-year contract, the team announced Thursday.

Finances of the deal weren't announced.

The nine-year veteran spent the last two seasons with the San Francisco Giants, hitting .245/.297/.380 with nine homers over 136 games. The former All-Star has predominantly played second base in his career but has also filled in at third.

He missed substantial time due to Achilles and neck injuries last year. He was set to play out the final season of a three-year, $18.75-million contract with the Giants in 2023 but was released earlier this winter.

"Tommy's makeup, instincts, and experience in winning environments will benefit our team as we look to make the next step," Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto said in a release. "We value his versatility and strike zone management skills, as well as what I believe to be a high baseball IQ."

La Stella, 33, was a member of the 2016 curse-breaking Chicago Cubs team that won the World Series. Over his nine-year career, he owns a .736 OPS (100 OPS+).

With the Mariners, La Stella likely serves as a depth infielder on the bench behind Eugenio Suarez at third and recently added second baseman Kolten Wong.

A left-handed hitter who has historically struggled more against southpaw pitchers, La Stella could also serve as an occasional platoon option with AJ Pollock or Teoscar Hernandez.

To make room on the roster, left-handed pitcher Justus Sheffield was designated for assignment. Sheffield was part of the return in the blockbuster trade that sent lefty James Paxton to the New York Yankees. Over four seasons with the Mariners, he pitched in 45 games and posted a 5.40 ERA.

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