Mariners sign former Blue Jays fan favourite

The deal will include an invite to Spring Training.

Jon Heyman of the New York Post was the first to report the signing, which has not been made official by the club.
Tellez, who debuted with the Blue Jays in 2021 to much fanfare, spent last year with Pittsburgh and had an up-and-down year for the Pirates.

As the Bucs starting first baseman, Tellez started off slow, limping to a .177 average over the first few months before catching fire in June. He struggled again in the second half and was ultimately designated for assignment in September.

He was controversially released right before a $200K bonus was set to kick in.

Tellez enjoyed some good years with the Blue Jays, hitting 37 home runs with 99 RBIS in 219 games across four seasons. With Vladimir Guerrero Jr. moving to first baseman, Tellez was shipped to Milwaukee for Trevor Richards and Bowden Francis.

With Luke Raley entrenched at first for the Mariners
, and with Mitch Haniger and Mitch Garver set to each get plenty of DH reps, there isn't a clear path for Tellez to make the opening day roster.

Barring a Spring Training injury, he is likely to begin the year at Triple A, but could first in line to receive a promotion should the need arise.

For his career, Tellez is a .234 hitter with 105 home runs and 319 RBIs.