The Seattle Mariners have reached an agreement with ace Felix Hernandez on a seven-year deal worth $175 million according to USA Today. The deal sets a new salary standard and would make Hernandez the highest-paid pitcher in baseball history. The deal is not yet official, but would surpass the seven year $161 million deal CC Sabathia signed with the New York Yankees before the 2009 season. At that time Sabathia’s was the highest ever for a pitcher. Zack Greinke signed a six-year, $147 million deal in December with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Hernandez ‘s annual salary of $25 million would top the $24.5 million per year that Greinke is scheduled to receive.
Hernandez signed a five-year, $78 million deal in January 2010 and we on to win the 2010 American League Cy Young Award, pitching to a 2.27 ERA and striking out 232 in 249 innings, despite winning just 13 games. Hernandez extended his string of 200-strikeout seasons to four this season. Hernandez was due to earn $19.5 million in 2013 and $20 million in 2014 under the terms of his previous deal. The new contract wipes those two years out and takes effect immediately. Hernandez will earn an average of $25 million annually through 2019.
Hernandez pitched a perfect game, the 23rd in major league history this past August 15 against the Tampa Bay Rays. Hernandez is 27 years old and will be 33 years old when the contract expires. In 2015 Hernandes will reach the 10 year service time plateau essentially given him a no trade clause for the remainder of the deal.
In other Mariners news the team officially signed Kelly Shoppach and designated Shawn Kelly for assignment to clear space on the roster.
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