Word just came in from the Mariners — right-handed reliever Josh Fields has signed.

His signature on a contract came more than nine months after Seattle selected the former University of Georgia closer in the first round of the First-Year Player Draft, the 20th overall selection.

The Mariners expected to reach agreement with Fields soon after the NCAA College World Series ended. But the difference between the $1.5 million offer Seattle made, and the $2 million requested by the player, led to a prolonged impasse.

Contract terms were not disclosed by the organization.

— Jim Street