In 1990, Martínez signed a one-year contract for $90,000. Though Presley was no longer a Mariner, Darnell Coles began the season as the Mariners' starting third baseman, with manager Jim Lefebvre telling "The Seattle Times" during spring training: "I think Darnell Coles is going to surprise a lot of people. He knows there is no one in the wings, just Edgar Martinez to back him up." However, Coles committed five errors in Seattle's first six games. Lefebvre moved Coles to the outfield and began playing Martínez at third base. Over 144 games, Martínez hit .302, and had a .397 on-base percentage, both of which led the team.