Kuma Moved

Kuma Moving On

Free Agent starting pitcher Iwakuma who pitched a no-hitter for the Seattle Mariners in 2015 signed a 3 yr. $63 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

 There was thought that Iwakuma would return to the Mariner; however, the Dodgers offered him an amount the Mariners or any other team were not willing to meet. Seattle general manager Jerry Dipoto said that the difference was having a third year. The Mariners may have accepted the $21 million per year if it was for only two years.

The Dodgers went quickly to sign Iwakuma after losing starting pitcher Zach Greinke who signed a free agent contract of 7 years for $217 million with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Iwakuma was the best starting pitcher available so the Dodgers signed him to a contract they knew no one else who match.

I don’t blame the Mariners for not matching the contract of the Dodgers primarily because Iwakuma has had seasons where he has gone through injuries. If he had injury free seasons than it would have been more of a disappointment that the Mariners did not resign him.

The Mariners though did not waste time to replace Iwakuma by making a trade with the Red Sox for starting left handed pitcher Wade Miley and right handed reliever Jonathan Aro. In return the Red Sox received starting left handed Roenis Elias and right handed reliever Carson Smith. Most people believe the trade would have not been made if Carson Smith had not been part of the trade. I am sure Smith will be a big time reliever for the Red Sox. Right now he fits as a really good setup man. In a few years he could be the closer while Elias could be a solid starting pitcher for the Red Sox.

Wade Miley obviously was the Mariners number one choice to purchase after Iwakuma signed with the Dodgers since the trade was made very fast. I am sure the Mariners were discussing with the Red Sox prior to the Iwakuma signing.

The Mariners now will be looking to go after a first baseman. The story right now is that they have talked with the Milwaukee Brewers about first baseman Adam Lind. No news now who the Brewers would get in return. Knowing Dipoto the trade could be worked out on Tuesday. Most likely if Lind is traded to the Mariners he will be platooned with Jesus Montero. Also,, Dipoto is talking with free agent relievers so there could be some news on that front before the Winter Meetings conclude on Thursday. I would not be surprised if the Mariners make some other moves that we do not expect at this time.  Go Mariners!