Free agent Bret Boone is expected to accept arbitration from the Mariners today, a decision that would keep him in Seattle for at least one more season, ESPN The Magazine's Tim Kurkjian reported Wednesday.

	Boone

By accepting arbitration, the second baseman -- coming off his best major league season -- would be under contract with the Mariners next season.

Boone recently rejected a three-year, $25 million contract offer from the Mariners. A source told Kurkjian that Boone is upset that the Mariners didn't offer a fourth year, but still believes Seattle is the best place for him to play.

Midnight tonight is the deadline for players eligible for arbitration to accept or decline. If a player declines, his current team still can negotiate with him until Jan. 8.

Boone, 32, set personal highs in numerous statistical categories in 2001, hitting .331 with 37 homers, 141 RBI and 118 runs scored. He is a .265 lifetime hitter in 10 major league seasons.