In the least, the Mariners addressed their bullpen depth this afternoon by signing right-hander Tyler Walker to a one-year contract. In the most, they might have found a guy who can be their closer.

Walker, a veteran of six major league seasons, has 34 saves in 320 appearances in his career. He pitched last year with the Giants, going 5-8 with a 4.56 earned run average, holding right-handed hitters to a .186 average.

“Tyler is a pitcher we had identified early on as a guy who could help us in the bullpen,” Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik said. “He has the ability to pitch in any role: middle relief, set-up and he has experience as a closer.”

Bullpen depth is one of the Mariners greatest needs. Last month they traded away closer J.J. Putz and right-handed setup man Sean Green, leaving nearly every role in the bullpen uncertain.

The addition of Walker adds another layer of insulation between Brandon Morrow and the closer role. Morrow, who saved 10 games last year when Putz was hurt, would prefer to be a starter and the M’s, deep down, would like it that way too. But they also knew he could be their best option at closer if they didn’t come up with a suitable replacement. Mark Lowe wants the job, and Miguel Batista and Aaron Heilman are other in-house candidates.

And now, Walker is another who’ll go to spring training with a chance to be that guy.