The Seattle Mariners have designated infielder Chone Figgins for assignment, ending one of the worst free-agent signings in club history.
Figgins had one year remaining on a four-year deal said to be worth about $36 million. He joined the Mariners after starring for the Angels, but never lived up to the contract.
In 308 games with the Mariners, Figgins batted just .227 with a .302 on-base percentage. He was a career .291 hitter with a .363 on-base percentage and 280 steals in eight seasons with the Angels and was coming off his first All-Star Game selection in 2009 when he signed the lucrative deal with Seattle.
Figgins batted just .259 in 161 games as Seattle's everyday second baseman in 2010, then shifted to third base for 2011 and played in only 81 games. He hit .188 that season and appeared in just 66 games last year, batting only .181.
The veteran switch-hitter, who will turn 35 in January, is a career .277 hitter in 1,244 games with the Angels and Mariners.
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