PEORIA, Ariz., Feb. 18 (UPI) -- Ken Griffey Jr. reportedly has rejected an offer by Atlanta and will return to Seattle, where he spent the first 11 seasons of his 20-year career.
The Seattle Post-Intelligencer reported from the Mariners' spring training base that Griffey will sign a one-year deal loaded with incentives. There had been reports previously this week that Griffey would sign with the Braves.
During his 11 years in Seattle, Griffey was in the top 10 in most valuable player voting seven times. He was Seattle's first draft choice in 1987 and his career with the Mariners was highlighted by his MVP season of 1997. Griffey batted .304 that year with a league-high 56 homers along with 146 RBI and a .646 slugging percentage.
Griffey totaled 398 home runs and 1,152 RBI with Seattle and led the Mariners to two division titles. At his request, he was dealt to Cincinnati in 1999.
The Reds did not win a division crown while Griffey played for them and he was eventually traded to the Chicago White Sox. Chicago reached the playoffs last year, but lost in the opening round to Tampa Bay.
Griffey has 611 career home runs, fifth all time, and 1,772 RBI. He won 10 consecutive Gold Gloves beginning in 1990.
