Chone Figgins, Mariners parting ways

SEATTLE, Nov. 21 (UPI) -- The Seattle Mariners designated for assignment infielder Chone Figgins, who had one year left on a large free-agent contract.

Figgins agreed to a four-year, $36 million contract when he joined the Mariners in 2010 but has hit .227 in the three seasons since. That is 50 points less than his career average. The final season of the contract was said to be worth $8 million.

Before moving to Seattle, Figgins hit .291 over eight seasons with the Los Angeles Angels. But after hitting .259 in 2010 over 161 games, Figgins played 81 games in 2011, hitting .188, and 66 games this past season, hitting .181.

"These decisions are driven by what a player does on the field and when you get to a point where he may no longer be part of this club going forward, you have to make a decision," Mariners General Manager Jack Zduriencik told MLB.com. "He became an expendable piece and that's it. That's the end of the story."

Figgins would become a free agent if the Mariners don't trade, release or outright him in 10 days.