The Seattle Mariners may have just found their new closer as they have signed former Giants reliever Hunter Strickland to a one-year deal worth $1.3MM for this season. As well as the guarantee, Strickland can earn up to an additional $1.3MM worth of incentives to bring his potential total to $2.6MM. Strickland still has two years of club control remaining via arbitration so in total the Mariners have his services for the next three years if they so choose to.
Strickland, 30, was a surprise addition to the free agent market as he was still eligible for arbitration for two more years when the Giants decided to release him at seasons end. Strickland pitched in parts of five seasons with the Giants racking up 226 innings out of the bullpen while pitching to a 2.91 ERA and striking out 211 hitters. Last year was a rough one for Strickland as he missed time due to a self inflicted injury when he broke his hand while expressing frustration over a blown save. That injury put Strickland on the shelf for two months and he was not the same pitcher as he had shown in previous years.
The Mariners could potentially have a bargain on their hands if Strickland can return to his old form and control his temper. They have been looking for someone inexpensive that could replace former All-Star closer Edwin Diaz who they shipped off to the New York Mets earlier this off season with Robinson Cano. Strickland definitely fits the bill as he has had 19 saves and 60 holds in his career and comes with two years of club control at a very reasonable price. The busy Mariners off season is probably not done yet and could very well see more names thrown into the bullpen mix before Spring Training gets underway.
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