Seattle Mariners: Yovani Gallardo is an Uninspired Addition to the Rotation
By Paul Taylor
No matter what general manager Jerry Dipoto says, Yovani Gallardo offers little to the Seattle Mariners starting rotation.
It’s no secret the Seattle Mariners have been on the lookout for another arm for the starting rotation, after trading away Taijuan Walker. However, the acquisition of Yovani Gallardo is a puzzling one.
For a start, Gallardo is coming off his worst season since entering the league in 2007. His production — or lack thereof — in 2016, included career-highs in ERA (5.42) and WHIP (1.585), as well as the second-lowest strikeout rate of his 10 years in the Majors.
Just as importantly, the 30-year old missed two months of the 2016 campaign with biceps tendinitis. This only compounds the fact the Baltimore Orioles reduced his original three-year deal down to two years following his physical, due to shoulder concerns.
Now of course, the Mariners are way more qualified than this writer, to know what’s best for the club. In that respect, general manager Jerry Dipoto is delighted with the acquisition, as reported by Shannon Drayer of 710 ESPN Seattle.
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Dipoto said via a press release: “Gallardo gives us the veteran presence that we have been searching for. He has a track record of durability and success as a starting pitcher. After examining the free agent and trade market, Yovani is the best fit for our club as we move forward this offseason.”
The problem is that the Mexico native’s track record doesn’t mean much moving forward. Apart from the issues already mentioned, he has shown a diminished ability to pitch deep into games, averaging just 5.1 innings per start, during his two previous seasons.
Fan Rag Sports’ John Perrotto spoke to a scout about Gallardo declining skills. It’s fair to say they didn’t mince their words.
The scout said: “He’s cooked. He’s lost his velocity and he can’t make the transition to finesse pitcher, because he doesn’t throw strikes.”
Again, this leads you to wonder why the Mariners would trade for the 2010 All-Star? One theory is that they believe a move to a more pitcher-friendly ballpark will help him regain his previous form.
One final reason the decision to sign Gallardo seems like a bad idea, comes down to his salary. He is scheduled to make $11 million in 2017, which is a lot of money for a player who appears to be on the decline and will only be the No. 4 starter.
For what it’s worth, if the 2010 Silver Slugger performs well, the Mariners have a $13 million option for the 2018 season. If they decide against it, they will pay him a $2 million buyout.
Overall, Dipoto arguably deserves the benefit of the doubt, after what he has achieved so far in Seattle. Regardless, bringing in Gallardo looks like an extremely risky gamble, which Mariners’ fans can only hope will pay off.
Next: Is Jose Bautista worth a gamble?
What’s your opinion on the addition of Gallardo to the Mariners’ rotation? Do you believe he will be a useful acquisition or are you uninspired by what he offers? Share your thoughts in the comments section.