BRISTOL, Conn., Dec. 19 (UPI) -- Free agent second baseman Bret Boone apparently will spend at least one more year with the Seattle Mariners.
ESPN reported Wednesday that Boone, who enjoyed his best season in the major leagues in 2001, has accepted an arbitration offer from the Mariners.
Wednesday was the deadline for eligible players to accept or decline arbitration. By accepting the offer, Boone guarantees he will be under contract with Seattle next year.
If a player declines arbitration, his current team can still negotiate with him until Jan.8.
Various reports claim Boone turned down a three-year, $25 million offer from the Mariners, although he still wants to play there.
The 32-year-old Boone increased his market value this season by hitting .331 with 37 homers, 141 RBI and 118 runs scored. He is a lifetime .265 hitter over 10 major league seasons.
Boone was a key reason the Mariners tied a major league record with 116 wins last season.
Boone was a fifth-round selection of the Mariners in 1990 and made his major league debut for Seattle in 1992. He played for Cincinnati, Atlanta and San Diego before re-joining the Mariners in time for the 2001 season.
