LAS VEGAS - As expected, Raul Iba?ez declined the Seattle Mariners' offer of salary arbitration. Iba?ez's agents notified Major League Baseball after Sunday's 9 p.m. deadline that he will apply for free agency. MLB officials then notified the Mariners.
It wasn't much of a surprise to those familiar with the situation, including Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik. "I'm not surprised that he turned it down," Zduriencik said after hearing the news. "It's his right to do it as a player. Had he said yes to arbitration, we would've been happy to have him back."
Iba?ez was probably the Mariners' most consistent offensive producer last season, hitting .293 with 23 home runs and 110 RBI.
At the end of last season, Iba?ez was amenable to re-signing with the Mariners, but was looking for a multiyear deal to provide some security. Zduriencik didn't rule out the possibility of the Mariners coming back at Iba?ez with another contract offer.
"It's possible," he said. "I think we can talk."
The Chicago Cubs, New York Mets and New York Yankees have shown interest and could give Iba?ez both the security and winning he craves.
Under MLB rules, if Iba?ez were to sign with another team, the Mariners would be awarded two compensatory draft picks.
- - -
Ryan Divish, The News Tribune
