SEATTLE MARINERS

Mariners downplay report of new Felix Hernandez deal

Feb 7, 2013, 1:03 PM | Updated: 6:30 pm

By Shannon Drayer

Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported earlier today that Felix Hernandez has agreed to a seven-year, $175 million deal with the Mariners. A team source since then, however, has stressed that no announcement is imminent and that the initial report is not accurate.

As I reported in my last post, negotiations have intensified in the last few days with Jack Zduriencik, who had taken a couple of days to drive to Arizona late last week, returning to Seattle. I also noted in that post that before a contract of this nature was to be completed, Hernandez would likely have to undergo an extensive physical, one that would take more than an afternoon. This may or may not be the reason why we are being told that an announcement has not been scheduled as of yet.

Then there is the question of the numbers. Is it a rip-up of the current contract and start a seven-year deal now situation? Or would the current contract remain in place, perhaps with bonuses for the final two years, and then a five-year contract kick in at the end?

The other possibility, of course, is that the two sides are not in agreement. If so, I am not terribly concerned. It would appear that the sides are working towards an agreement. Both sides want it, there is no question of that.

While the money is unlike anything we have seen the Mariners hand out before, the money is there. Beyond the talk of new television contracts, beyond ownership going above and beyond for the right player, the team has next to nothing in payroll commitments next year and even less the following year. Going young and developing their own talent has freed up big dollars for now. The money is there.

At some point there is a very good chance this deal gets done. Just not today.

Mariners Roof Report

Brought to you by
Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny
High 56° | Low 40°
Roof is open
Red Sox at Mariners today at 6:40pm

Seattle Mariners

Seattle Mariners Mitch Haniger Dylan Moore...

Brandon Gustafson

Mariners Highs and Lows: What stands out from opening day loss

The Seattle Mariners fell to the Red Sox on opening day, and there were some takeaways – good and bad – to be had from the loss.

2 hours ago

Seattle Mariners Boston Red Sox Tyler O'Neill...

The Associated Press

Mariners drop opener 6-4 as Boston’s O’Neill makes history

Tyler O’Neill homered in his fifth straight opening day game to set a major league record, and the Boston Red Sox beat the Seattle Mariners 6-4.

3 hours ago

Seattle Mariners Mitch Haniger...

Brandon Gustafson

Welcome Back: Mitch Haniger blasts homer in Mariners return

Mitch Haniger kicked off his return to the Seattle Mariners with a bang, blasting a 2-run home run to right field in his second at-bat.

4 hours ago

Nelson Cruz Seattle Mariners...

Brent Stecker

After throwing out 1st pitch, Nelson Cruz retires as a Mariner

Nelson Cruz threw out the first pitch at Seattle Mariners opening day, then signed a one-day contract to retire with the team.

5 hours ago

Seattle Mariners Julio Rodriguez...

Brandon Gustafson

Mariners Notebook: ‘Consistent pressure’ theme for lineup in 2024

Scott Servais expects big things from the Seattle Mariners' lineup in 2024, as he shared ahead of their opener against the Boston Red Sox.

9 hours ago

Seattle Mariners lineup Julio Rodríguez...

Brent Stecker

See the first Mariners lineup of 2024 for opening day vs Red Sox

The Seattle Mariners' batting order for opening day of the 2024 MLB season against Boston showcases an improved amount of length.

11 hours ago

Mariners downplay report of new Felix Hernandez deal