Jack Cust, Mariners Agree To One-Year Contract

Cust’s contract will have a base value of about $2.5 million, and may include some incentives based on playing time. He is going to Seattle to serve as the team’s designated hitter after their DHs batted just .194 last season, with a .609 OPS.

Cust broke out with the Oakland A’s in 2007, hitting 26 home runs and posting a .912 OPS. He has since declined and hit just 38 home runs over the last two seasons, but he remains able to draw a lot of walks and get on base at a good clip, so he’ll definitely be able to help the Mariners lineup, whether as an everyday player or as part of a DH platoon.