SEATTLE – The Seattle Mariners already are making good on a promise to improve the American League’s most anemic offense.

Adrian Beltre signed a $64 million, five-year contract with the Mariners on Friday, joining Seattle two days after another free agent slugger, Richie Sexson, agreed to a four-year, $50 million deal.

Seattle finished a distant last in the AL West this past season, going 63-99 for its worst record since 1983. The Mariners were last in the league with only 136 homers and 698 runs.

“Actions speak louder than words,” team chairman Howard Lincoln said. “We’ve just demonstrated that we were dead serious about turning things around as quickly as possible. I don’t think there was any hesitation to make these large financial commitments.”

Beltre passed a physical, the final step before completing the deal. The third baseman said it was tough to leave the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he spent the first seven years of his career, but felt Seattle was a better fit for his family.

Beltre, 25, led the majors last season with 48 homers for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He hit .334 with 121 RBIs, and finished second to Barry Bonds in the NL MVP voting.

Giants sign Christiansen to one-year deal

SAN FRANCISCO – Left-handed reliever Jason Christiansen signed a one-year deal to stay with the San Francisco Giants.

General manager Brian Sabean said Friday that Christiansen, 35, also will have an option for the 2006 season.

Christiansen made 60 appearances for the Giants this past season, and ranked sixth in the National League for stranding inherited baserunners.

Alfonseca signs with Flroida Marlins

MIAMI – Free-agent reliever Antonio Alfonseca signed a one-year contract Friday to rejoin his former team, the Florida Marlins, who revised their offer when a routine physical disclosed a herniated disc in the right-hander’s back.

Alfonseca will receive the league minimum $300,000 and can earn an additional $1.7 million in incentives, said his agent, Juan Iglesias. The deal includes an option for a second year for Alfonseca if he pitches in 65 games next season.