Hisashi Iwakuma

Latest On Dodgers, Hisashi Iwakuma

By Zachary Links | December 17, 2015 at 1:08pm CDT

1:08pm: Issues arose during Iwakuma’s physical with the Dodgers, Bill Plunkett of the OC Register tweets, but the team has not closed the door to signing him. Talks are still ongoing between the two sides.

11:04am: Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times (on Twitter) hears that the Dodgers are not out on Iwakuma. He surmises that they could be reworking the contract, however.

10:50am: The Dodgers are backing out on their agreement with pitcher Hisashi Iwakuma due to concerns over his physical, according to a Japanese-language report from the Jiji Press (translation via Kazuto Yamazaki on Twitter). There’s no official word yet from the team regarding Iwakuma’s deal, but it should be noted that the two sides reached agreement all the way back on December 6th and a hiccup with the physical would explain the delay in making an announcement.

Iwakuma posted a 3.54 ERA in 20 starts for the Mariners last season, including a no-hitter. He missed more than two months with a lat strain, however, and turns 35 in April. He also dealt with some shoulder issues. It’s not immediately clear what red flag(s) popped up on the veteran’s physical, however. The Dodgers and Iwakuma shook hands on a three-year, $45MM contract prior to the Winter Meetings. At the time, that seemed like a fair price for the Japanese hurler given the strength of the pitching market. In fact, at the outset of the offseason, MLBTR’s Tim Dierkes predicted that exact contract for him.

Despite injury troubles, Iwakuma ended up turning in a typically excellent campaign for the Mariners in 2015. Over 129 2/3 innings, he worked to a 3.54 ERA with 7.7 K/9 against 1.5 BB/9. Remarkably enough, that’s the worst single-season earned run average he has compiled over a single campaign. He’s been remarkably good since coming to Seattle from Japan before the 2012 season. In 653 2/3 total MLB frames, Iwakuma has allowed just 3.17 earned runs per regulation game.

If the Dodgers don’t finalize their deal with Iwakuma, they could turn to fellow free agent starter Mike Leake, Bob Nightengale of USA Today tweets. Leake is talking with the Nationals and Astros, but his preference is to pitch out west. Leake has talked to teams about at least a five-year deal for about $75MM (link). Scott Kazmir is also a consideration for Los Angeles, Tim Brown of Yahoo Sports tweets.

AL West Notes: Wilson, Angels, Kendrick, Rangers, Pearce, Lewis, Catchers, Mariners

By Jeff Todd | December 7, 2015 at 6:19pm CDT

The Angels are telling clubs they’ll listen to offers on lefty C.J. Wilson, Scott Miller of Bleacher Report reports on Twitter. It seems that Los Angeles would be interested in clearing some payroll in a bid to address the multiple areas of need on the position-player side of the equation.

Dodgers To Sign Hisashi Iwakuma

By Jeff Todd | December 7, 2015 at 9:30am CDT

DEC. 7, 9:30am: Iwakuma will land a three-year, $45MM contract, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports (via Twitter). That would match MLBTR’s prediction from early November.

DEC. 6, 8:45pm: There is a deal in place that is believed to be for a three-year term, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports on Twitter. If that’s the case, then Los Angeles will be acquiring the age-35 through age-37 campaigns of the veteran.

7:24pm: The Dodgers are nearing agreement on a deal with free agent righty Hisashi Iwakuma, according to multiple reports. Indeed, ESPN.com’s Jim Bowden reports on Twitter that an agreement is already in place, while Joel Sherman of the New York Post hears it’s not yet done (Twitter link) but says other clubs think a pact will be finalized. The sides are “moving toward completion” of a contract, per Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (via Twitter).

Possible financial terms remain unreported. Iwakuma, a client of the Wasserman Media Group, got off to a slow start and dealt with shoulder issues last year, but ended up turning in a typically excellent campaign for the Mariners. Over 129 2/3 innings, he worked to a 3.54 ERA with 7.7 K/9 against 1.5 BB/9.

Remarkably enough, that’s the worst single-season earned run average the 34-year-old has compiled over a single campaign. He’s been remarkably good since coming to Seattle from Japan before the 2012 season. In 653 2/3 total MLB frames, Iwakuma has allowed just 3.17 earned runs per regulation game.

ERA estimators largely support the results. Iwakuma posted a 3.36 SIERA last year and carries a 3.33 mark over his four seasons. In addition to a sparkling 16.2% K-BB%, Iwakuma has induced groundballs on just over half of the occasions that a batter has put one of his pitches in play.

Never reliant on velocity, Iwakuma has experienced only a slow drop in fastball velocity. Last year, he averaged 88.9 mph on his fastball, down from the 90.3 he maintained back in 2012.

It is worth noting, though, that Iwakuma missed starts in each of the last two seasons. He was sidelined for about a dozen outings last year, though he obviously ended the year producing solid results from the rotation. Iwakuma has also been somewhat susceptible to the long ball, allowing a 13.8% HR/FB rate and 1.10 home runs per nine over his career.

In rating Iwakuma the 25th-best free agent available, MLBTR’s Tim Dierkes predicted that he’d be able to find three years and $45MM on the open market. Aside from age, the major factor weighing down the righty’s value is the fact that a signing team will be required to part with a draft pick.

It’s easy to see why the Dodgers would be interested in the veteran. Paying a hefty average annual value won’t stress the club’s payroll much (if at all), but by adding an older player the club would be able to avoid a lengthy entanglement. Los Angeles had, of course, reportedly pursued several other high-profile pitchers only to fall short in the bidding.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Dodgers Targeting Hisashi Iwakuma

By | December 5, 2015 at 5:41pm CDT

After missing out on Zack Greinke, the Dodgers are targeting free agent starting pitcher Hisashi Iwakuma, tweets Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. We actually heard last night from Rosenthal that Iwakuma figured in the team’s backup plans.

Iwakuma originally jumped to the majors in 2012. He has spent his entire major league career with the Mariners where he compiled a 3.17 ERA with 7.59 K/9 and 1.65 BB/9 over 653 innings. As a command and control specialist who relies on a 88 mph fastball and a splitter, he is less likely than some pitchers to decline dramatically as he ages.

Rosenthal points out (via Twitter) that Iwakuma’s age is actually a positive attribute. He’s entering his age 35 season so he won’t command a lengthy contract. Rosenthal notes that the Giants and Mariners are believed to be in the mix for Iwakuma. As of yesterday, the Dodgers were also speaking with the representatives of Johnny Cueto, Jeff Samardzija (since signed by the Giants), and Scott Kazmir. They’ve been linked to Japanese pitcher Kenta Maeda too.

Starting Pitching Notes: Leake, Iwakuma, Maeda, Chen, Marlins

By Mark Polishuk | December 5, 2015 at 2:47pm CDT

The red-hot free agent pitching market will only help the Indians in trade talks, Terry Pluto of the Cleveland Plain Dealer writes. With so many top starters commanding giant salaries, the Tribe’s collection of young arms becomes more attractive both to teams who are hesitant to overspend on pitching, or to teams who missed out on their free agent targets. President of baseball operations Chris Antonetti could be making a career-defining move, Pluto believes, if he chooses to deal one of Corey Kluber, Carlos Carrasco, Danny Salazar or Trevor Bauer for a big bat since such a trade could put the Tribe over the top as contenders.

Here’s more from the ever-shifting pitching rumor mill…

The Giants are still interested in Mike Leake, ESPN’s Buster Olney tweets, even after signing Jeff Samardzija. Leake’s market is “now more defined” with so many other top pitchers off the board. The Giants may not be willing to give Leake a Samardzija-esque deal, however, as reported by Andrew Baggarly of the Bay Area News Group (via Twitter). This could take them out of the running for Leake given how several other teams also have interest.
Also from Olney, the Royals are in the mix for starting pitching. Chris Young has been the only starter directly tied to Kansas City in reports, though there has been speculation that the World Series champs could aim higher in their search for rotation help.
The Dodgers and Giants both fell short in their search for Zack Greinke, but MLB Network’s Peter Gammons wonders if the two arch-rivals could compete again for Hisashi Iwakuma. Both teams have already shown interest in the Japanese righty, and while the Mariners also have a long-stated interest in re-signing Iwakuma, I would guess the presence of these two big-market teams could drive Iwakuma’s price out of Seattle’s comfort zone.
There has been speculation in the Japanese media that Kenta Maeda would prefer to pitch for the Dodgers, according to NPBTracker’s Patrick Newman (Twitter link). The Dodgers have a long history with Japanese talent and they have a need in the rotation, so a connection makes sense. L.A. will get a chance to negotiate with Maeda if they’re one of the teams who posts a $20MM bid for his services.
Wei-Yin Chen has become a “hot topic” for the Cubs, 670TheScore.com’s Bruce Levine tweets. Chen is another free agent whose market should benefit from other pitchers disappearing off the market. Chicago, for instance, had interest in Price, Zimmermann and Samardzija before all of those pitchers signed elsewhere, though the Cubs already made one rotation-bolstering move in signing John Lackey.
The Marlins are exploring a wide range of pitching options as they head to the Winter Meetings, president of baseball operations Michael Hill tells MLB.com’s Joe Frisaro writes. Frisaro suggests that James Shields or Wade Miley could be trade targets since Miami has been interested in both pitchers in the past, though the Marlins are trying to hang onto their core position players in deals (presumably trade candidate Marcell Ozuna isn’t necessarily part of this equation).
The Marlins are open to the possibility of signing Cliff Lee, Frisaro reports. Presumably Miami would be one of several clubs interested in seeing if the former Cy Young Award winner has anything left in his comeback attempt.
The Astros could look to deal 26-year-old lefty Brett Oberholtzer, CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman reports (via Twitter). Oberholtzer has a 3.94 ERA, 2.86 K/BB rate and 5.9 K/9 over 253 2/3 career innings, all with Houston since 2013. He’s one of many young arms the Astros have on hand beyond the five-man rotation, and the southpaw could be expendable if Houston is satisfied with its other depth options. Heyman speculates that the Orioles, Phillies, Rangers and Reds could all be fits as trade partners.
The Twins aren’t one of the reported 10 teams interested in Henderson Alvarez, 1500ESPN.com’s Darren Wolfson tweets.

Dodgers Notes: Greinke, Cueto, Madson

By charliewilmoth | December 4, 2015 at 9:40pm CDT

Zack Greinke’s blockbuster new deal with the Diamondbacks broke Friday evening, so there will be undoubtedly be many more reactions emerging throughout the weekend. For now, though, here’s a collection of news and reactions that focuses a team that didn’t sign him — the Dodgers.

With Greinke no longer available, the Dodgers are reaching out to the rest of the pitching market, FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal tweets. They spoke today to representatives of Johnny Cueto, Jeff Samardzija and Scott Kazmir, and a source tells Rosenthal they’re “intrigued” by Cueto. Earlier today, Rosenthal tweeted that Hisashi Iwakuma also figured prominently on the Dodgers’ list of backup plans.
The Dodgers have been forthright about their intentions of building good teams in 2017 and beyond, so perhaps it’s no surprise that they didn’t top the Diamondbacks’ winning bid, Mark Saxon of ESPN Los Angeles writes. They did make a substantial offer of five years and $155MM, but they didn’t want to push themselves financially with an even riskier, lengthier deal. Since the Dodgers hired Andrew Friedman, Saxon writes, they’ve focused on making smart business moves, and perhaps in their minds, signing a thirtysomething pitcher to a boundary-pushing deal wouldn’t have qualified as one.
“We made a very strong offer to retain Zack, but clearly he found a deal that fit better for him and his family,” says Friedman in a statement released by the Dodgers. “We are now hard at work on our alternatives.”
The Dodgers are also trying to sign righty reliever Ryan Madson, MLB.com’s Ken Gurnick tweets. The 35-year-old Madson is coming off an excellent comeback season with the Royals (with a 2.13 ERA, 8.2 K/9 and 2.0 BB/9), and he would figure to be an asset in the Dodgers’ bullpen. Obviously, though, signing Madson right now would come as little comfort to Dodgers fans upset about losing Greinke.

Starting Pitching Notes: Shark, Lackey, Kuma, Shields, Miller, Nova, Fernandez

By Steve Adams | December 4, 2015 at 12:27pm CDT

The Cubs remain interested in a reunion with Jeff Samardzija, reports ESPN’s Jayson Stark, but the team may be getting uncomfortable with the level to which his price is rising. Samardzija, who has reportedly received offers of $90MM and $100MM, is of interest to both the Giants and Dodgers, and the team that loses out on the services of Zack Greinke may very well turn to Samardzija, per Stark. Said one executive from a team that has interest in Samardzija: “I don’t know if he gets to nine figures. But if you put the over/under on him at $90 million, I’d go ’at’ or ’over.'”

Some more notes on what has been an aggressive and high-priced market for starting pitching thus far…

As the prices for arms like Samardzija and others rise, a two-year deal for John Lackey is becoming increasingly appealing for the Cubs, tweets Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. While the Cubs may indeed have interest in two years for Lackey, it seems reasonable enough to me to believe that interest in him could push the requirement to three years. Lackey will pitch next season at 37, but he’s delivered results that are either on part with or in excess of expectations for younger, second-tier starters and won’t come with as extravagant a price tag as Samardzija, Mike Leake or Wei-Yin Chen.
Having already completed five trades and signed four free agents — most recently Nori Aoki — the Mariners will turn their focus to re-signing Hisashi Iwakuma, writes MLB.com’s Greg Johns. General manager Jerry Dipoto told Johns and other reporters that while he still needs to address utility infielder and determine who will play first base in 2015, his focus will be shifting more to the rotation for the time being. “We are continuing to move along with Kuma and we’ll see where that takes us,” said Dipoto.
Turning from free agency to the trade side of the starting pitching market, Stark tweeted yesterday that the Padres are hoping to move James Shields without having to eat any money in the deal, citing unnamed clubs that have been in trade talks with San Diego. Not only that, they’re hoping to land a younger shortstop option in the deal. Clearly, that’s a lofty and unlikely goal, as Shields along doesn’t carry that type of value on his own and comes with significant downside given his opt-out clause. If the Padres were willing to take back a sizable contract in exchange for Shields, perhaps the scenario would become more plausible.
The Padres, though, think the rising price of free agent starters could make the remaining $65MM on Shields’ contract look more appealing (links to Twitter). That may be the case, but Shields certainly isn’t a bargain, and some scouts tell Rosenthal they feel that Shields’s stuff is in decline. And, as Dennis Lin of the San Diego Union-Tribune tweeted yesterday, his opt-out clause makes him a risky target for any club. Shields isn’t a lock to opt out of the deal even with a big 2016 season, per Lin, because he loves living in San Diego. A trade might make him more inclined to re-enter the market if he performs well enough, so a team could be acquiring just one year of him if he performs up to his previous standards. On the other hand — the aforementioned downside — if Shields repeats his 2015 results or struggles even further, then the team would be left with the two years and $44MM on his contract from 2017-18.
The Rockies like Braves right-hander Shelby Miller quite a bit, writes Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post. However, Colorado and Atlanta haven’t discussed a possible swap “in a while,” a source told Saunders. While the Braves are seeking outfield upgrades, an expensive and relatively short-term asset like Carlos Gonzalez wouldn’t hold appeal to the Braves, he writes. Rather, a player like Corey Dickerson and other prospects would probably be Atlanta’s asking price, he continues, adding that the Rox aren’t presently in the Miller derby.
The White Sox were interested in both Jesse Chavez and Ivan Nova last month, reports George A. King III of the New York Post, but the fact that Chavez is now off the board following a trade to Toronto hasn’t increased Chicago’s interest in Nova. The Yankees have discussed Nova with multiple teams and will continue to market him at the Winter Meetings, though the asking price reported by King — a younger arm with more controllable years — seems too steep unless the Yankees are adding other pieces to the deal.
The Marlins aren’t shopping ace Jose Fernandez, president of baseball operations Michael Hill tells MLB.com’s Joe Frisaro. Hill said he’s “not sure where that came from” in reference to rumors that Fernandez could be had in trades, but the plan is for Fernandez to front Miami’s rotation next season. Hill said that teams, naturally, ask for Fernandez all the time, just as they did with Giancarlo Stanton prior to his extension. But, that’s to be expected with elite players that are not locked up on contract extensions, he notes, and inquiring teams are informed that Fernandez isn’t for sale.

Heyman’s Latest: Madson, Iwakuma, Alvarez, Zobrist, O’s, Perez, Freese

By Jeff Todd | November 25, 2015 at 7:19pm CDT

Let’s take a look in at the latest reporting from Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com, who touched upon several notable stories today (all via his Inside Baseball column, except as otherwise noted):

The Dodgers have had contact with free agent righty Ryan Madson, Heyman says. The veteran, who enjoyed a remarkable turnaround last year, could be one of several options as Los Angeles looks to beef up its pen.
The Mariners have long said that re-signing Hisashi Iwakuma is a priority, and GM Jerry Dipoto reaffirmed that stance only days ago. Heyman writes that the club is “willing to go to around $24 million or so over two years” for the accomplished veteran. It’s not entirely clear whether there’s any willingness to go beyond that amount, but it seems a bit light for a pitcher of Iwakuma’s ability. (MLBTR’s Tim Dierkes predicts a three-year, $45MM deal for the righty.)
Pirates first baseman Pedro Alvarez would welcome a trade, writes Heyman. It’s been known for awhile that Alvarez is on the block due to his rising arbitration salary, poor glove and struggles with left-handed pitching. The Pirates almost certainly don’t want to pay Alvarez his projected $8.1MM salary next season and could very well non-tender him next week if they can’t find a taker. Heyman notes that the Orioles make some sense, and I’d add the Athletics as a speculative fit also. He’s probably best off with an AL club where he can DH, but it’s also fun to think of the power numbers Alvarez could log at Coors Field.
The Cardinals are among the most interested teams in Ben Zobrist and have reached out to his representatives at Octagon, reports Heyman. Zobrist was linked to the Cardinals last week, and Heyman notes that there are as many as 20 teams believed to have interest in the versatile switch-hitter. Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch tweets that the Cardinals are indeed in the mix, but it remains to be seen whether they can sell Zobrist on a super-utility role (an “uber-role,” as Goold terms it). Zobrist’s preference is reportedly to play second base.
While the Orioles are prioritizing an effort to bring back Chris Davis, the club has legitimate interest in outfielder Alex Gordon. Meanwhile, Heyman says that he’d be surprised if the club pursues Gerardo Parra as a corner outfield option, since “they weren’t all that impressed by him” over the last several months.
The Royals may be “willing to at least talk” with the reps of backstop Salvador Perez about “reworking” his early-career extension. That contract has become almost comically team-friendly since it was signed — a reflection of both the significant risk taken on by the team at the time and the extent to which Perez has rewarded that trust. It’s not entirely clear what kind of scenario could be pursued, but all indications are that Kansas City would be bargaining from a position of strength.
There’s at least “a bit” of contact between the Angels and free agent third baseman David Freese, says Heyman. A reunion continues to appear possible, though the club will likely look to see how some other market possibilities play out before committing to the veteran.

2015 Qualifying Offer Decisions

By Steve Adams | November 13, 2015 at 4:26pm CDT

The deadline or players to accept or reject their one-year, $15.8MM qualifying offers was today at 5pm ET. We already know that Colby Rasmus will become the first player to ever accept a qualifying offer, and Marco Estrada reached a two-year deal with the Blue Jays. Brett Anderson also accepted his qualifying offer from the Dodgers.

Here are the updates on the rest of the 20 players that received qualifying offers one week ago today…

Ian Desmond will reject the Nationals’ offer, James Wagner of the Washington Post reports on Twitter. He’ll be joined on the open market by Jordan Zimmermann, who did the same, per a tweet from MLB.com’s Bill Ladson.
While Brett Anderson will be returning on a one-year deal, Howie Kendrick and Zack Greinke have rejected their qualifying offers from the Dodgers, Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times reports (Twitter links),
It’s an obvious one, but Alex Gordon will hit the open market rather than taking a one-year deal from the Royals, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports on Twitter. Likewise, Justin Upton and Ian Kennedy of the Padres will participate in the open market his fall (per Dennis Lin of the San Diego Union-Tribune, on Twitter) and Dexter Fowler has turned down his offer from the Cubs, as Paul Sullivan of 670thescore.com tweets.
The Cardinals will stand to pick up draft choices if Jason Heyward and John Lackey sign elsewhere, as they too have rejected the offer, per Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch (via Twitter).
Daniel Murphy and Jeff Samardzija have declined their offers, per reports from Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com (via Twitter) and Dan Hayes of CSNChicago.com (also via Twitter).
Gallardo has declined his QO, Stevenson now tweets.
As expected, Hisashi Iwakuma has turned down the qualifying offer issued to him by the Mariners, Chris Cotillo of SB Nation tweets.

Earlier Updates

Stefan Stevenson of the Fort Worth Star Telegram hears differently on Gallardo, reporting that he’s still deciding whether or not to accept (links to Twitter). Gallardo’s camp has spoken to multiple other clubs about a deal, but the righty is still mulling a return to his hometown team.
Yovani Gallardo will decline the Rangers’ qualifying offer in search of a multi-year contract, tweets Jon Heyman of CBS Sports. Gallardo never seemed likely to accept the deal, though there may have been a bit of temptation given the fact that Gallardo is a Fort Worth native. Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News tweets that he spoke to Gallardo’s agent, Bobby Witt, and was told that he’s yet to officially inform the Rangers one way or the other (Twitter link).

Those who are unfamiliar with the process can refer to MLBTR’s explanation of the qualifying offer system for full details.

Latest On Tigers’ Interest In Outfielders

By Steve Adams | November 10, 2015 at 9:06pm CDT

The Tigers are looking to add an outfielder — preferably, a right-handed-hitting outfielder that could play every day — general manager Al Avila told Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press (links to Twitter).

The obvious names that jump to mind when considering that description are Justin Upton and Yoenis Cespedes, each of whom ranks near the top of MLBTR’s list of top 50 free agents this winter. However, each player figures to command an annual salary north of $20MM, and with the Tigers also intent on adding multiple starting pitchers as well as multiple bullpen arms, one has to wonder if adding a player of that magnitude will leave Avila and his staff with the necessary flexibility to address the pitching staff. A more affordable option — and one with which the Tigers are plenty familiar — would be Austin Jackson. The switch-hitting Dexter Fowler would figure to fit somewhere between those two tiers.

Trade scenarios will also arise for the Tigers, and Fenech quoted Avila in an earlier column today, stating, “I don’t think you’re going to be able to fill everything through free agency.” While none of this grouping has been specifically tied to Detroit, we’ve already seen names like Marcell Ozuna, Cameron Maybin and Jorge Soler bandied about in general trade speculation throughout the league.

Avila also said that the Tigers will consider right-hander Hisashi Iwakuma as the club searches for pitching, Fenech notes. That’s not exactly a surprising revelation, as Iwakuma is a talented arm that could provide a boost to nearly any big league rotation and doesn’t figure to be in line for an exorbitant contract. Three years is probably the ceiling on Iwakuma, given his age (35) and recent injury history, although he’s also said to be interested in a return to the Mariners, who would love to re-sign him. The Tigers are presumably at least somewhat interested in any free-agent starter that could step into the middle of their 2016 rotation alongside Justin Verlander and Anibal Sanchez, as there’s little certainty beyond that duo.

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