The Seattle Mariners have officially signed infielder Donovan Solano to a one-year contract worth $3.5 million, with the deal announced on Monday.
In addition to the base salary, Solano can earn up to an extra $1 million through performance bonuses based on his plate appearances. He stands to gain $200,000 for each threshold reached at 300, 350, 400, 450, and 500 plate appearances.

Solano, 37, had a productive season with the San Diego Padres last year, recording a batting average of .286 along with eight home runs and 35 RBIs across 96 games. Notably, he excelled against left-handed pitchers, hitting .302 with four home runs in those matchups.

Over his 11-year career in Major League Baseball, he has maintained a .279 batting average, amassing 40 home runs and 279 RBIs. His playing history includes stints with teams like Miami, the New York Yankees, San Francisco, Cincinnati, Minnesota, and most recently, San Diego. Since 2019, Solano has enjoyed a batting average of .294, contributing 31 homers and 180 RBIs to his career totals.

Jerry Dipoto, the Mariners’ president of baseball operations, has praised Solano, calling him one of the most overlooked hitters in the game over the past several years. Additionally, as part of his contract, Solano will have access to a hotel suite during road trips.
There are also incentives tied to his performance: Should he make the All-Star team, he would receive a bonus of $50,000; for selection, $25,000. Further bonuses include $150,000 for being named MVP, $100,000 for World Series MVP, and $50,000 for awards such as League Championship Series MVP, Gold Glove, or Silver Slugger.

To accommodate Solano’s addition, the Mariners designated left-hander Austin Kitchen for assignment. Kitchen made his major league debut for the Miami Marlins against Tampa Bay on July 30 but struggled, finishing with an 0-1 record and a 14.14 ERA through one start and three relief appearances. He had been claimed off waivers by Seattle on September 9.