Mariners News: Dodgers Deal with Former Seattle Mariners Hisashi Iwakuma Hits Snag

A report surfaced this morning that former Seattle Mariners and current free agent Hisashi Iwakuma‘s deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers has hit a snag.

The report came out of the Jiji Press in Japan this morning.  It was confirmed later in the day by Bill Plunkett.  The reports indicate that the Dodgers saw something in the physical and have backed off the three year $45 million contract.  The Dodgers are apparently not out on Hisashi Iwakuma, and they are trying to rework the contract.

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How does this affect the Seattle Mariners?  The Mariners won’t get the draft pick unless Iwakuma signs with another team.  It’s still likely that he will sign somewhere.  Since the signing has not taken place Hisashi Iwakuma is still a free agent.  The Seattle Mariners were trying to sign him before his deal with the Dodgers was announced and he was at the top of their list.  It’s likely that they will give him a call.

Sep 6, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Hisashi Iwakuma (18) pitches the ball against the Oakland Athletics during the second inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Have the health concerns lowered Iwakuma’s value?  The details of the issues with the physical are unclear, so that’s unlikely.  But it may have affected the length of the contract teams are willing to give him.  The Mariners may have had the same concerns about his health or they may not be worried about that at all and may just be trying to be fiscally responsible as Iwakuma is 34 years old and a three year contract would pay him through age 37.

The Seattle Mariners currently have Felix Hernandez, Taijuan Walker, Wade Miley, Nathan Karns, and James Paxton penciled in as the five man rotation but adding Hisashi Iwakuma would provide some competition for the fifth spot and would provide a more stable and potent top of the rotation as well.  It would definitely give them depth in case of any injury problems as neither Walker or Paxton has pitched a complete season in the Majors without injury.

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It will be interesting to see what happens with Hisashi Iwakuma.  And this opening may be exactly what the Seattle Mariners needed to get the veteran back to Seattle.  Many fans have been clamoring on social media for Jerry Dipoto to sign another top of the rotation starter.  Do the Mariners have the money to make a run for Hisashi Iwakuma still is yet to be seen.  Jerry Dipoto has also announced that there will be no more household name signings.  But this may be the exception.

Update: