Seattle Mariners need to walk away from Felix Hernandez

The Seattle Mariners and Felix Hernandez are on the path for a rather acrimonious divorce. Instead of letting those bad feelings linger, the Mariners should cut bait.

If baseball had a storybook ending, then we would be in the midst of the low point for the Seattle Mariners and Felix Hernandez. He is barely hanging on to a spot in the rotation, his days as a dominant starter seemingly over. This would be the point in time where, if Hollywood were writing the script, Hernandez would go on a soul searching exploit, realize who he is, and reinvent himself. He would come back a different person, and somehow find his way to success again. That tale would culminate with Hernandez leading the Mariners to the World Series, firing the pitch that led to the final out for the franchise’s first championship.

But this is not Hollywood. Those fairy tale endings almost never happen, where an aging veteran who is seemingly done leads his team to glory. In Hernandez’ case, he is the Mariners fifth starter, his streak of ten consecutive Opening Day starts over. And he is not happy about that.

This demotion to the fifth spot in the rotation is deserved. Over the past two years, Hernandez has not been himself, posting a 5.13 ERA and a 1.362 WHiP over 242.1 innings. His fastball velocity has dramatically declined, to the point where he is averaging approximately 89 MPH on the pitch. However, his change, which had been his out pitch, is remaining steady at approximately 85 MPH. The two offers are practically indistinguishable, and are not fooling anyone.

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There is a history of power pitchers who, due to the innings they racked up, losing their fastball. Take CC Sabathia for example – he endured several off years before reinventing himself as a junk baller, once again finding success in the rotation. However, it takes the ability to check one’s ego in order to change who they are.

That is not something Hernandez has displayed any inclination towards doing. He is King Felix, and the King throws fastballs. Change is for mere mortals, not royalty. Just ignore the results, and focus on the pitcher he once was. And that should be more than enough to remain as the ace of the Mariners.

Except…the Mariners are not looking at the past. Jerry Dipoto has made a concerted effort to revamp the roster with younger, more athletic players. There would still be a place on the Mariners for a pitcher like Hernandez, if he was inclined to show the type of veteran leadership the pitching staff would need.

Instead, he is behaving like a petulant child, refusing to acknowledge that his time as a legitimate superstar is over. He is refusing to change his approach, and turning the situation with the Mariners toxic. At this point, the relationship is all but over.

So, instead of letting Hernandez poison the clubhouse, it is time to say goodbye. It is time for the King to be usurped from his throne, sent away into exile. Yes, the Mariners would need to eat the final year on his contract, but that may be the best scenario for both sides. Hernandez can go someplace where he feels respected, and Seattle can rid themselves of a malcontent.

It is time for the Seattle Mariners and Felix Hernandez to part ways. Waiting until the end of the year would not serve any benefit to either party.