However, while Johjima is thought to be close to an agreement with Seattle, the 29-year-old seven-time Gold Glover could still opt to remain with his Japanese team, the Fukuoka Soft-Bank Hawks.
In its bid to keep its stream of Japanese talent flowing, the Mariners recently bumped their offer on a contract of two years guaranteed, and a club option for a third season.
The Mariners are believed to have increased their most recent offer to about $6 million a year in a contract that could include incentives. Last week, they offered Johjima about $4 million a year for two years.
Annual contract value of some other top catchers:
Posada: ~$10m
Varitek: $10m
Rodriguez: $10m
Lopez: $7.67m
Given that Hernandez and Molina will probably sign for comparable money, Johjima's a little less of a bargain at $6m/year (+incentives), but that still strikes me as a good deal.