Ken Griffey Jr. chose to honor the city that gave him his start rather than play for a team closer to his family.

Griffey selected the Seattle Mariners over the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday night, agreeing to a one-year contract with the team that made him a star.

‘‘He’s coming home. … I can’t begin to tell you how ecstatic we are. He is, too,’’ Seattle general manager Jack Zduriencik said in confirming the deal.

Zduriencik called Griffey ‘‘arguably one of the greatest athletes to ever play in the Seattle area.’’

The deal is for at least $2 million, plus incentives, according to a person with knowledge of the negotiations who requested anonymity because the Mariners would not discuss contract details. The incentives could earn Griffey an additional million or more.

Griffey, who is expected to arrive in camp Friday or Saturday, is fifth on baseball’s career home run list with 611.