SEATTLE (AP) - Designated hitter Edgar Martinez will rejoin the Mariners for the 2004 season, his 18th in the majors.

Martinez, who turns 41 in January, agreed to a one-year deal Tuesday.

''I am very fortunate and grateful that I have been able to play my entire career with the Seattle Mariners,'' Martinez said in a statement.

The two-time AL batting champion had faced a Sunday deadline to decide whether to file for free agency. His agent had indicated the slugger was willing to consider offers from other teams if negotiations with the Mariners broke down.

Martinez owns several franchise records, including career batting average (.315), games played (1,914), hits (2,119), extra-base hits (803), doubles (491), RBIs (1,198), walks (1,225) and runs (1,174).