The mere phrase “pitchers and catchers report” is always enough to thrill the senses – even if you know going in that those pitchers and catchers are not nearly good enough to compete for a title.

A person with knowledge of the deal tells The Associated Press that the Seattle Mariners have agreed to a minor league contract with former All-Star outfielder Carlos Gonzalez.

Justin Hollander’s climb up the front-office ladder has reached a new level, with only a chance at general manager for another team likely ahead of him. On Monday, the Mariners and general manager Jerry Dipoto announced Hollander has been promoted to vice president and assistant general manager in charge of baseball operations.

The Seattle Mariners will be going into spring training with very few expectations

Both sides took some risk with Gonzales’ contract extension. Yet both were clearly ecstatic about the deal and what it symbolizes during the Mariners’ organizational reboot.

The Seattle Mariners see Marco Gonzales as a core piece for their future.

The Mariners have rewarded Marco Gonzales with a four-year contract extension, starting in 2021, which will make him a part of the organization through 2024 with an option for the 2025 season. Sources confirmed Gonzales will earn $30 million over the four seasons.

The Mariners added some experienced depth to their pitching staff Thursday, signing right-handed reliever Yoshihisa Hirano to a one-year contract and Wei-Yin Chen to a minor league contract with an invite to spring training.

The Mariners’ pre-spring training luncheon traditionally is an opportunity to pump up the fan base with optimism and good vibes for the season to come.

Mitch Haniger suffered the injury on Monday while working out.

The Mariners avoided arbitration after reaching agreements with outfielders Mitch Haniger and Mallex Smith and pitcher Sam Tuivailala on contracts for the upcoming season.