SEATTLE -- Chris Iannetta has a new team and a chance to prove last season was a disappointing outlier in his career.
Iannetta signed a one-year contract with the Mariners on Monday with the expectation he will be Seattle's starting catcher heading into 2016. The deal includes a club option for 2017 that can become a vesting option based on games played.
"I think it was an opportunity to get back and in a situation to play and prove that this past year was just a down year," Iannetta said on a conference call.
To clear a spot on the 40-man roster, Seattle designated catcher John Hicks for assignment.