Seattle Mariners: Which of their Free Agents Will Return in 2017?

By Paul Taylor | Nov 3, 2016

Jul 18, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners players, including third baseman Kyle Seager (15, left), right fielder Seth Smith (7, second from left), outfielder Franklin Gutierrez (21, middle) celebrate at home plate following a walk-off homer by first baseman Adam Lind (26, not pictured) against the Chicago White Sox at Safeco Field. Seattle defeated Chicago, 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jul 24, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Seattle Mariners catcher Chris Iannetta (33) walks in the fourth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports /

Chris Iannetta

The rational for signing Iannetta made perfect sense. Bring him in to offer some much-needed competition for Mike Zunino, while also hoping he would have a bounceback campaign.

Unfortunately for the Mariners, things didn’t work out as planned. The former Colorado Rockies’ draft pick had a terrible year, especially during the second half of the season, with that oh so familiar deer-in-the headlights look at the plate.

It seems like a pretty good bet that Iannetta’s $4.5 million club option for 2017 will not be picked up. Even the Mariners’ pressing need for a backup catcher is unlikely to save him.

Chance of returning: Extremely low to non-existent

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