"Everything is uncertain at this moment and nothing has been decided," Lee said, according to the Chosun newspaper. "I realized that I am the happiest when I play in the game, so playing time is an important factor to consider when choosing a team."
Lee and his first-base platoon partner, Adam Lind, are both pending free agents, along with outfielder Franklin Gutierrez and reliever Drew Storen. Outfielders Seth Smith and Norichika Aoki, and catcher Chris Iannetta also could become free agents unless the Mariners agree to extend their options for 2017.