Justin Smoak, Logan Morrison Head To Arbitration

Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Seattle Mariners first baseman Justin Smoak and newly-acquired outfielder/first baseman Logan Morrison were among some 40 players around the majors that failed to reach an agreement on a contract for 2014 and will now head to arbitration.

The players are under contract with the Mariners for the 2014 season, but the salary is yet to be determined.

According to the News Tribune, Smoak is asking for $3.25 million with the Mariners countering with $2.025 million. Morrison is asking for $2.5 million with the Mariners low-balling him at $1.1 million.

Smoak hit .238 last year with a career-high .334 OBP and .412 slugging percentage. He hit 20 homers and drove in 50 runs. He will probably get $2.75 million.

Morrison bated .247 with 23 homers and 73 RBI for Miami in 2011, but injuries have kept his playing time limited recently. In 2013, Morrison hit .242 with six homers and 36 RBIs in 85 games while seeing most of his playing time at first base. He will most likely end up near $2 million, I’ll say $1.95 million.

The sides can still negotiate and reach a deal prior to their arbitration hearing.

If Smoak and Morrison don’t settle, the players and the team will each present their case to an arbitration panel between Feb. 1-21. At that time, the panel will choose which number to go with.

The Mariners haven’t had a player go all the way through the arbitration process since Freddy Garcia in 2003.