M’S To Retain Edgar, Cora

Edgar Martinez and Joey Cora will remain Seattle Mariners as the team has decided to pick up their option year, general manager Woody Woodward said.

In addition, the team probably will offer reliever Norm Charlton salary arbitration, he said.

The Mariners have until today to secure Martinez’s services for $3.5 million next season. He has been offered a three-year contract that includes $2.5 million next season and escalates sharply the other two.

The team has until Nov. 15 to pick up Cora’s $600,000 option year. The M’s are offering a contract extension.