Outfielder Endy Chavez is returning to the Mariners on a minor league contract for spring training. Chavez, 36 on Feb. 7, appeared in 97 games for Seattle last season, hitting .267 with 22 runs, 10 doubles, two home runs and 14 RBIs.
Chavez began the 2013 season in AAA Tacoma, appearing in six games before being called up. He hit .295 (43×146) at Safeco Field to lead all Mariners in home batting average and recorded a hit in 45 of his 59 games started.
Chavez is a veteran of 12 major league seasons with Kansas City (2001), Montreal/Washington (2002-05), Philadelphia (2005), New York Mets (2006-08), Seattle (2009, 2013), Texas (2011) and Baltimore (2012). He is a .269 hitter with 128 doubles, 32 triples, 28 home runs and 101 stolen bases in 1,071 career major league games.