Ibanez signs three-year deal with Mariners

Raul Ibanez hit 24 home runs with 103 RBIs in 2002 and 18 homers with 90 RBIs last season for the Kansas City Royals. Dave Kaup/Getty Images

SEATTLE (AP) -- Free-agent outfielder Raul Ibanez agreed Wednesday to a three-year, $13.25 million contract with the Seattle Mariners, who hope his left-handed bat can boost the offense at spacious Safeco Field.

Ibanez, who came up in Seattle's system but saw limited action with the Mariners from 1996-2000, blossomed over the past two years in Kansas City, where he hit .294 both years.

He drove in 103 runs in 2002 and 90 last season.

"When I first realized I was coming back here, I was ecstatic," said Ibanez, drafted by Seattle in the 36th round in 1992. "It didn't really hit me until I walked in the locker room yesterday."

Ibanez gets a $2 million signing bonus, $3.25 million in 2004, $3.75 million in 2005 and $4.25 million in 2006.

General manager Bill Bavasi, on the job less than two weeks, wasn't surprised to learn during briefings that the club was interested in Ibanez. A left-handed pull hitter should be a big bonus.

"I know he's been in their sights for a while. We're thrilled to have him here," Bavasi said.

The addition of Ibanez gives the Mariners four solid outfielders, though it's uncertain if free agent Mike Cameron will return after winning a Gold Glove in center last season.

Cameron hit .253 last season, including a .235 average at Safeco Field. He has complained in the past about hitting conditions at Safeco but reportedly expressed interest recently in returning.

Randy Winn, who played in left last season, and right fielder Ichiro Suzuki both are arbitration-eligible.

"This was about adding offense," Bavasi said. "This guy was made for this ballpark. He's a real good fit. This does not impact Mike or anybody else. This decision is independent of any others."

Ibanez has performed well at Safeco as a member of the Royals, hitting .381 with five home runs over the past three seasons. He feels his tendency to hit line drives contributed to his success in Seattle.

"If you hit balls in that big left-center gap, the ball hangs," he said.

Ibanez, who hit the first grand slam in Safeco Field history on July 17, 1999, said he simply likes the way it feels when he steps into the batter's box at the ballpark.

"I like that it's a wide-open field," he said. "Some parks you just like. You go to certain parks and feel things are all centered. I like the way it feels here."

Free agent signings

AMERICAN LEAGUE

BOSTON (1) -- Re-signed Mike Timlin, rhp, to a $2.75 million, one-year contract.

SEATTLE (1) -- Signed Raul Ibanez, of, Kansas City, to a $13.25 million, three-year contract.

TEXAS (1) -- Signed Andy Fox, inf, Florida, to a minor league contract.

TORONTO (1) -- Signed Pat Hentgen, rhp, Baltimore, to a $2.2 million, one-year contract.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

HOUSTON (3) -- Re-signed Dan Miceli, rhp, to a $600,000, one-year contract; re-signed Jose Vizcaino, ss, to a $1.2 million, one-year contract; re0-signed Brad Aumus, c, to a $4 million, two-year contract.

LOS ANGELES (1) -- Re-signed Tom Martin, lhp, to a $3.3 million, two-year contract.