As the Mariners look to bolster their rotation, free agent righty Doug Fister is a “name of interest” to the organization, according to Bob Dutton of the Tacoma News Tribune. Already a plausible pursuer of starting pitching, the M’s now appear clearly in need of another arm after dealing Taijuan Walker.
Seattle GM Jerry Dipoto has acknowledged that the club would look to add to the rotation, explaining that he’s hopeful of finding “major-league established starting pitching.” The team has a variety of depth pieces, and added a few more yesterday, but could certainly stand to add to the back of the rotation alongside options such as Ariel Miranda and Nate Karns. “The idea now is to plug in someone who gets a little closer to the middle of the rotation than the back,” said Dipoto.
Whether Fister would really meet that need is somewhat in question after his one-year stint with the Astros. He started well, but faltered over the second half and ended with a career-worst 4.64 ERA over 180 1/3 innings, with 5.7 K/9 and a personal-high 3.1 BB/9. Typically a strong groundball pitcher, Fister has also hovered in the 45% range in groundball induction over the past two years, which is right at league average.
Certainly, the Mariners do not appear to be locked in on Fister. Per the report, the club has its eye on other possibilities — including via trade — and may not see the veteran as their “top preference.” Dipoto has also made clear that he’s in no rush to fill the need, perhaps reflecting an interest in finding value rather than targeting a specific player.
Fister, now 32, began his career in Seattle. He was dealt to the Tigers in an ill-fated swap from the Mariners’ perspective, and was later shipped on to the Nationals. While he is now two years removed from his high-quality 2014 campaign in D.C., Fister was at least able to return to full health in 2016 after struggling with elbow issues in his final year with the Nats.
classic M’s move.
I am all about this signing for the M’s. He should have never been dealt to begin with and you could probably get him on an even cheaper deal than last season’s.
They haven’t signed him yet…
his first half was solid up to Jun 20 might not be a bad move
M’s need to make this move. They need as much rotation depth as they can get if they’re truly serious about going all-in next year.
Never was reliant on velocity but in 2014 it was much better than his 2015’s. He was injured though so his velocity came up a little bit this season but not all the way yet he struggled ever more. Things are not trending in his favor I thought the extra velocity would make his season better but it only got worse. Pass on him.
That was where Z excelled shipping off good players still with a couple years of control to other teams for players who not only didn’t last in Seattle’s org very long but some didn’t last in BB very long. I know there are a few exceptions but man he made some bad trades. I think this could be a good signing for the right price if it is not too long in case he is truly done. He had some good years here and the comfort might be good for him.
Nailed it
I don’t buy this at all….just like I didn’t buy the Napoli rumors. These type players make zero sense, Fister because he is not good anymore and Napoli due to the $$/committment it would have taken.
The Napoli rumors are over.
Seattle interested in John Garland, Randy Wolf and Chad Qualls.
Jamie Moyer could come out of retirement!
The M’s would be better off getting ryu from the dodgers, or signing derek holland
Yes, they should trade for Ryu who hasn’t pitched in two years (or something like that). How would they be better off trading for a guy who hasn’t pitched in a long time rather than a guy who has pitched recently, just not well.
Kind of a separate comment but I guess it ties in fister being better in a big park. I live in Seattle been to plenty games watched on tv every game, for a pitchers park there sure does seem to be ALOT of homers hit there
I like this move IF this is to have depth in case Karns doesn’t pan out or PActon has another injury. They would still need to bring in another quality starter.
I would suggest Colby Lewis for the buy low 1 year M’s target. If they truly do nothing else then maybe they can get a solid late inning lefty. One more suggestion : Tyler O’Neill for Chris Archer
I’m a huge Mariners fan, but there is no way O’Neill by himself gets Archer. Maybe Walker, O’Neill, and another couple of pieces. Except, you know, we traded Walker to the DBacks for someone that could have easily been replaced about 4 other ways in Segura. Dumb trade in my mind.
I’d rather see the M’s pick up Jason Hammel. Proven winner. Might be the type to light a fire under Felix, who if he is doing the same things as last off season and season we can expect to have 2 number 4 or number 5 starters.