Seattle Mariners Missed Out on Jason Hammel
By Paul Taylor
The Seattle Mariners reportedly made Jason Hammel an offer earlier this winter, but were unable to negotiate an agreement with the 34-year old pitcher.
We recently asked whether Jason Hammel could provide a good short-term option for the Seattle Mariners‘ rotation? Well, it turns out the M’s did indeed reach out to the pitcher.
As reported by The Boston Globe‘s Nick Cafardo, the Mariners apparently made their move early on in the free agent process this offseason. Cafardo writes that Hammel received a one-year offer from Seattle, with a $10 million option for 2018.
Given the 2002 10th round draft pick signed a two-year deal with the Kansas City Royals during this past weekend, the Mariners’ offer obviously wasn’t enticing enough. However, it does leave you to speculate about what he would have brought to the rotation?
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Hammel was coming off arguably his best season in the Majors, which included a career-high 15 wins. He recorded a 144/53 K/BB ratio over 166.2 innings, won a World Series ring and was one of the best pitching options available in free agency.
It’s also worth noting the 34-year old’s ERA of 3.83. This would have ranked him third-best when compared to the six pitchers with at least 15 starts for the Mariners last season.
Having said all that, general manager Jerry Dipoto’s inability to secure Hammel’s signature isn’t necessarily a bad thing. First of all, consider that a lot of teams were weary of his issues with elbow tightness, which kept him off the Chicago Cubs’ postseason roster.
Second, there is a growing sentiment among scouts that the Greenville, South Carolina native’s skills might be on the decline. This doesn’t mean he wouldn’t have helped the Mainers, but it helps put things in perspective.
In any event, since the initial interest in Hammel, Dipoto has looked elsewhere to bolster the rotation, with Drew Smyly being a particularly intriguing addition. Whether the moves are ultimately enough to end the longest postseason drought in the Majors, remains to be seen.
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Obviously nothing can be done now, after Hammel agreed to a deal with the Royal. Regardless, would you have liked to see him in the rotation, or are you comfortable with the arms at the Mariners’ disposal? Share your thoughts in the comments section.