The Seattle Mariners re-signed Japanese pitcher Hisashi Iwakuma after the starter’s deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers fell apart.
Team GM Jerry Dipoto announced the news at the club’s holiday party Thursday night:
Jerry Dipoto delivers a special gift to the front office at the #Mariners holiday party: Kuma is back. pic.twitter.com/8Bo8Y93ub2
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) December 18, 2015
Iwakuma initially turned down a qualifying offer with Seattle and agreed to a three-year deal with the Dodgers at the Winter Meetings pending a physical. The deal was never officially announced, and that’s because Iwakuma failed his physical, Jiji Press reported Thursday.
Jiji Press reporting the Dodgers backing out from Iwakuma after failed physical. https://t.co/JJ3MMEmWxI
— Kazuto Yamazaki (@Kazuto_Yamazaki) December 17, 2015
After the deal with the Dodgers fell apart, the Mariners got back involved in discussions. They guaranteed Iwakuma a one-year deal with vesting options for 2017 and 2018.
Kuma signs a contract for 2016 with vesting options for 2017 and 2018. #TheBearIsBack
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) December 18, 2015
Iwakuma missed the early part of the season due to a strained lat, but he still went 9-5 with a 3.54 ERA last season, including a no-hitter. He will be welcomed back by Mariners fans.
