"One of the worst-kept secrets of baseball's Winter Meetings was finalized Tuesday as the Seattle Mariners announced the signing of free-agent infielder Chone Figgins to a four-year deal.

The contract also carries an option for a potential fifth season in 2014.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the Associated Press has reported the contract at $36 million, with a possible vested option for another $9 million for the fifth season.

"We see Chone as a great fit for our ball club and the city of Seattle," Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik said in a statement released by the team. "We anticipate an exciting time watching Ichiro and Chone batting at the top of our lineup.

"He is an athletic player with speed and versatility. He also brings tremendous character and positive energy to our organization.""