PEORIA, Ariz. -- Guillermo Heredia, a 25-year-old center fielder from Cuba, has agreed to a one-year Major League contract for about $500,000 with the Mariners, according to MLB.com's Jesse Sanchez.
The deal, initially reported by the Tacoma News Tribune, is pending a physical examination. The Mariners have not confirmed the agreement.
Heredia, who was the starting center fielder for Cuba in the 2013 World Baseball Classic, established residency in Mexico last year and is a free agent who is exempt from international signing guidelines because of his age and experience level.
Heredia played five years in Cuba before defecting to Mexico last year. He hit .285 with 57 doubles, 15 triples and 23 home runs in 374 games for Matanzas, and he is regarded as an excellent defender.
The Mariners acquired center fielder Leonys Martin from the Rangers during the offseason, but Seattle has been looking for a backup contender. Prospect Boog Powell, who was acquired from the Rays in November, is another center-field candidate.
Mariners position players are due to report to camp on Wednesday, with the first full-squad workout set for Thursday.