SEATTLE — Chris Iannetta has a new team and a chance to prove last season was a disappointing outlier in his career.

Iannetta agreed to a $4.25 million, one-year contract with the Mariners on Monday with the expectation he will be Seattle’s starting catcher heading into 2016. The deal includes $1.75 million in performance bonuses next season and a 2017 club option for $4.25 million that could become guaranteed at $6 million.

“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.

To clear a spot on the 40-man roster, Seattle designated catcher John Hicks for assignment.

Iannetta spent the past four seasons with the Los Angeles Angels but struggled at the plate this year, hitting .188 with 10 homers and 34 RBI. The batting average was the lowest of his career. A year earlier, Iannetta hit .252 in 108 games.

BRAVES: Right-hander David Carpenter agreed to a minor league contract.

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Carpenter, 30, had a 4.01 ERA in 30 games this year with the Yankees and Washington.

The team also agreed to minor league deals with right-handers Chris Volstad and Madison Younginer; catchers Willians Astudillo, Matt Kennelly, Ryan Lavarnway and Braeden Schlehuber; infielders Reid Brignac and Chase d’Arnaud; and outfielder Matt Tuiasosopo.

MARLINS: Miami fired Tommy Hutton, its TV analyst for 19 years.

The team said it decided to go in a different direction and didn’t elaborate on its decision.

Hutton has spent 51 years in professional baseball. He played in the majors from 1966-81.

WHITE SOX-ROCKIES: Chicago acquired right-hander Tommy Kahnle from Colorado for minor league pitcher Yency Almonte.

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Kahnle, 26, is 2-2 with a 4.41 ERA in 90 relief appearances over two seasons with the Rockies. He went 0-1 with a 4.86 ERA and two saves last year.

ROCKIES: Shortstop Jose Reyes issured a not guilty plea to allegations of abusing his wife at a Hawaii resort.

Maui police arrested Reyes after an argument Oct. 31 with his wife that allegedly turned physical at the Four Seasons Resort.

METS: Right-hander Stolmy Pimentel, a former Sea Dogs pitcher, agreed to a minor league contract with an invite to spring training.

Pimentel, 25, made eight relief appearances for Texas last season. He was 0-1 with a 3.97 ERA in 111/3 innings before being sent to Triple-A Round Rock in mid-May.


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