Mariners reach deal with veteran outfielder

SEATTLE — The Seattle Mariners have agreed to a one-year contract with veteran outfielder Brad Wilkerson, formerly of the Texas Rangers.

The Mariners announced the much-anticipated agreement Thursday while they continued to wait for the Baltimore Orioles to make a decision on a trade that would send ace starter Erik Bedard to Seattle for top prospect Adam Jones and others.

Jones had been scheduled to be the Mariners’ starting right fielder this season, replacing the departed Jose Guillen. The arrival of Wilkerson, who can play all three outfield positions plus first base, suggests Jones may finally be on his way to Baltimore.

Wilkerson, 30, has played the past two seasons with the Texas Rangers. In 2007 he posted his the third 20-homer season. He batted .234 with 20 home runs and 62 runs batted in 119 games.

“Brad is a hard-nosed competitor and someone that leaves it all on the field,” Seattle manager John McLaren said. “He also gives us a number of options with a left-handed bat and being able to play a number of different positions.”