Mariners and Hernandez Finalize New Contract
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Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images(SEATTLE) — The Seattle Mariners announced Tuesday that they have finalized a new contract with starting pitcher Felix Hernandez. ESPN is reporting that the deal is for seven-years and is worth $175 million, which would make Hernandez the highest paid pitcher in baseball history.
The deal was reportedly held up because of health concerns about Hernandez’s pitching elbow, but the right-hander made “minor concessions” that put the Mariners at ease, according to ESPN.
The 26-year-old Hernandez was set to make $19.5 million this season and $20 million in 2014. His new contract will pay him an average annual salary of $25 million.
The three-time All-Star has spent his entire eight-year career with the Mariners, where he has compiled a record of 98-76 with a 3.22 ERA. He has struck out 1,487 batters in 1,620 1-3 innings of work.
Hernandez was won the American League Cy Young award in 2010 and pitched a perfect game against the Tampa Bay Rays last season.
The Mariners are expected to hold a news conference Wednesday afternoon in Seattle to officially announce the new deal.
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