Felix Hernandez May Be Worth A Flyer
After Felix Hernandez ended his storied Seattle Mariners career, he signed a minor league deal with the Atlanta Braves with the hopes of extending his career. Based on what we saw in Spring Training, coupled with injuries, it appeared King Felix was going to pitch one more season.
And then the pandemic hit.
Hernandez then opted out of the 2020 season due to COVID concerns. Instead of retiring, the 34 year old one time ace is looking to pitch in 2021. At one point, it seemed teams were interested, but so far, nothing has materialized.
There is some good reason for that. After all, Hernandez hasn’t been an at least league average pitcher since 2016. Looking at his ERA+, he’s in the midst of a six year decline, and he didn’t even pitch last year.
It should also be noted Hernandez’s 2019 was not good. In 15 starts, he was 1-8 with a 6.40 ERA, 1.535 WHIP, 3.1 BB/9, and a 7.2 K/9. Arguably, after that season, Hernandez should’ve retired.
It could be argued his struggles were related to a right shoulder strain. It could be age. Likely, it’s a combination of the two.
That said, as noted above, Hernandez was throwing well and making a case to make the Braves Opening Day roster. As seen on Baseball Savant, his change always had excellent movement. He could also benefit somewhat from getting away from a poor defensive Mariners team whose -112 DRS since 2016 is the fourth worst in the American League.
A year away from the rigors of pitching every fifth day may also help. If he was dealing with shoulder and arm issues, he’s had rest. He’s as fresh as he’s been, and he’s again looking for an opportunity to pitch.
Now, the high side of what Hernandez could be is what Bartolo Colon gave the Mets. That’s a guy who can take the ball every fifth day and give you at least five innings. He could provide veteran leadership. There’s value in that.
The obvious counter-argument is Hernandez may not be able to be that. The years and injuries might’ve just taken their toll.
When Hernandez was willing to accept a minor league deal with $1 million if he makes the MLB roster, it’s worthwhile to find out what he could be. If he’s got nothing, cut him, and congratulate him on his career. If he has something, you got a risk free pitcher who you can ride for as long as he can handle it.
After the Steven Matz trade, that should be enticing to the Mets. They need to find a way to bridge the gap until Noah Syndergaard returns from Tommy John.
Joey Lucchesi is effectively a two pitch pitcher who probably belongs in the bullpen. David Peterson is coming off a year with a 1.67 K/BB and poor velocity and spin rates. Relying on both is making a plan to fail.
The Mets should be bringing in competition for these two. Hernandez on a minor league deal makes sense. Really, any player on a minor league deal makes sense.
Overall, Hernandez may have something left in the tank as he looks to pitch for the postseason for the first time in his career. It may behoove the Mets to take a flyer just to see what he still has.
Hail to the king. I like him but my dad, an AL fan, (no one is perfect) says he’s done as in done. I’d give him a shot but my father is always right about these things
I think he may very well be done, but if he’s looking to pitch, might as well give him a shot.
This doesn’t make sense for either side. Mets are still trying to sign Bauer or someone who can step into the rotation. The 5th spot already has competition and will be handed to Noah when he returns. We’re trying to win World Series. This kind of reclamation project of super star in decline, who hasn’t even pitched in showcase for teams this offseason, that I’m aware, suggests he’s not ready to pitch on serious contender.
I don’t think it makes sense for Hernandez either knowing the chances of getting a starting spot with the Mets are slim and that he will lose it when Noah returns. Unless he’s willing to pitch in minors, he needs to find team who has legit opening,, and the time and patience for an attempted career salvage.
It makes sense for the Mets because neither Peterson nor Lucchesi should be guaranteed a rotation spot.
It makes sense for Hernandez because it’s an opportunity
I disagree on both fronts. Mets are trying to win championship, not take on a 34 year old starter on reclamation project who turns 35 in early April. Mets aren’t in need of veteran pitching leadership. they already have plenty. By last year at this time, Braves had already signed him. No such move now.
Until or if Hernandez holds a throwing session for teams to check him out, there doesn’t appear to be much left. Pitcher’s with something left hold showcases. or play winter ball. Is he?
And it makes no sense for him to attempt comeback with Mets, especially if they sign Bauer with Noah’s eventual return looming.. His best chance is to sign with rebuilding team with open spots and shortage of veteran pitchers.
What the Mets have thus far done this offseason is stockpile young arms, today yet another. 26 pitchers now on 40-man roster which will need to be pared down even when Noah’s put on the 60 Day IL.
I also find it hard to believe the Mets would give starting spot to Hernandez over Peterson who is a youngster with fine upside and a lefty. There are other options too including McWilliams who is very cerebral, talented. and should be in the mix for a 5th spot along with Luchessi, Jerad Eickhoff and perhaps Arodys Vizcaíno, Robert Gsellman or others.
It’s a minor league deal. If he fails, you cut him. If he’s good, you may have something even if it’s to buy time for Thor.
Ultimately, it’s depth, and depth is never a bad thing.
There’s a guy down the street from me who use to throw a wicked knuckle-curve when I was 10. Would you like to give him a shot too? Sorry. I thought the Braves cut Felix because he was done. I don’t trust Felix for 1 pitch in the 2021 regular season. If he goes somewhere else and is great I’ll admit I was wrong, but I don’t see it. I agree there should be more competition, but I expect Gsellman will be in the rotation competition with Lugo returning to the bullpen. We need another arm to seriously contend. I’ll continue to say it until Steve and Sandy and Zack hear it…. TAIJUAN WALKER!!!!
Signing Hernandez doesn’t preclude the team from adding other pitchers.