Chone Figgins was expected to give the Seattle Mariners a spark when he signed a $36 million, four-year contract with them in December 2009.
Instead, he was an expensive burden in three lacklustre seasons.
The Mariners finally conceded the deal didn't work, designating Figgins for assignment Tuesday.
"At the time of the signing it looked like it was going to be the right thing for all of us," Seattle general manager Jack Zduriencik said. "He was excited about coming here. It just never worked out like he thought."
Figgins will be paid the remaining $8 million on his contract.
Figgins' never found success in Seattle. His versatility in the infield and teaming with Ichiro Suzuki at the top of Seattle's batting order were seen as strengths when the Mariners signed the free agent who had excelled for the Angels. Yet Figgins underperformed to a startling degree. He never hit lower than .267 in any full season with the Angels, yet the .257 he hit in his first season in Seattle was his best. He batted just .188 in 2011. He hit .227 in 304 games with Seattle and had an on-base percentage of just .302.
