Seattle Mariners 2019 Position Preview: Starting Pitchers

FÉLIX HERNÁNDEZ

There is no current Mariners player fans should be more grateful for than Félix Hernández, but that doesn’t mean the 32-year-old is exempt from criticism. After three seasons filled with injury concerns and below-average pitching throughout, Hernández’s inability to adapt to his limitations at his age and accept his own mediocrity has seemingly spelt the end of his best days.

The only thing that has kept Hernández afloat in Seattle has been the five-year, $135.5 million contract extension he signed in 2013, of which he is now entering the final year of. In all likelihood, 2019 will be Hernández’s farewell tour in a Mariners uniform.

Unfortunately, expectations for Hernández’s upcoming season are at an all-time low, and any such farewell tour will be celebrated by the team for finally being rid of his extraordinarily restrictive contract rather than for his accomplishments on the field.

As a fan, the hope should be that Hernández pitches well enough to earn himself some consideration on the trade market come July or August. The Mariners would never get anything of value in return, and would likely have to eat nearly all of his remaining salary, but it would give him a shot to finally reach the postseason.

That feels more like wishful thinking than anything, though.