Biographical

Portrait of Félix Hernández

Félix Hernández POrioles

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2019 Projections (Preseason PECOTA - seasonal age 33)
IP ERA WHIP SO W L SV WARP
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Birth Date4-8-1986
Height6' 3"
Weight220 lbs
Age37 years, 11 months, 21 days
BatsR
ThrowsR
3.72015
-0.72016
-0.12017
-0.02018
0.52019
proj
WARP Summary

MLB Statistics

Historical (past-seasons) WARP is now based on DRA..
cFIP and DRA are not available on a by-team basis and display as zeroes(0). See TOT line for season totals of these stats.
Multiple stints are are currently shownClick to hide.
YEAR Team Lg G GS IP W L SV H BB SO HR PPF H/9 BB/9 HR/9 K/9 GB% BABIP WHIP FIP ERA cFIP DRA DRA- WARP
2005 SEA MLB 12 12 84.3 4 4 0 61 23 77 5 96 6.5 2.5 0.5 8.2 0% .253 1.00 2.88 2.67 66 2.28 49.0 3.1
2006 SEA MLB 31 31 191.0 12 14 0 195 60 176 23 102 9.2 2.8 1.1 8.3 0% .312 1.34 3.94 4.52 73 3.11 63.4 5.6
2007 SEA MLB 30 30 190.3 14 7 0 209 53 165 20 95 9.9 2.5 0.9 7.8 0% .333 1.38 3.81 3.92 73 3.17 65.5 5.3
2008 SEA MLB 31 31 200.7 9 11 0 198 80 175 17 99 8.9 3.6 0.8 7.8 0% .314 1.39 3.83 3.45 89 4.06 86.7 3.3
2009 SEA MLB 34 34 238.7 19 5 0 200 71 217 15 98 7.5 2.7 0.6 8.2 0% .278 1.14 3.12 2.49 76 2.66 57.0 7.8
2010 SEA MLB 34 34 249.7 13 12 0 194 70 232 17 99 7.0 2.5 0.6 8.4 0% .263 1.06 3.01 2.27 78 2.63 59.4 7.6
2011 SEA MLB 33 33 233.7 14 14 0 218 67 222 19 94 8.4 2.6 0.7 8.6 0% .307 1.22 3.16 3.47 84 3.26 75.7 5.0
2012 SEA MLB 33 33 232.0 13 9 0 209 56 223 14 86 8.1 2.2 0.5 8.7 0% .308 1.14 2.78 3.06 78 2.55 58.4 7.2
2013 SEA MLB 31 31 204.3 12 10 0 185 46 216 15 94 8.1 2.0 0.7 9.5 0% .314 1.13 2.63 3.04 71 2.68 64.2 5.6
2014 SEA MLB 34 34 236.0 15 6 0 170 46 248 16 89 6.5 1.8 0.6 9.5 0% .258 0.92 2.58 2.14 81 2.43 59.7 7.0
2015 SEA MLB 31 31 201.7 18 9 0 180 58 191 23 100 8.0 2.6 1.0 8.5 0% .288 1.18 3.68 3.53 94 3.55 82.8 3.7
2016 SEA MLB 25 25 153.3 11 8 0 138 65 122 19 101 8.1 3.8 1.1 7.2 52% .271 1.32 4.59 3.82 115 5.74 127.0 -0.7
2017 SEA MLB 16 16 86.7 6 5 0 86 26 78 17 103 8.9 2.7 1.8 8.1 49% .288 1.29 5.00 4.36 112 5.72 121.7 -0.1
2018 SEA MLB 29 28 155.7 8 14 0 159 59 125 27 97 9.2 3.4 1.6 7.2 48% .286 1.40 5.21 5.55 110 5.30 118.5 0.0
2019 SEA MLB 15 15 71.7 1 8 0 85 25 57 17 99 10.7 3.1 2.1 7.2 49% .309 1.53 6.03 6.40 113 7.10 145.7 -1.0
CareerMLB4194182729.7169136024878052524264968.22.70.98.354%.2941.213.533.42853.4476.459.2

Statistics for All Levels

'opp' stats - Quality of opponents faced - have been moved and are available only as OPP_QUAL in the Statistics reports now.
Minor league stats are currently shownClick to hide.
YEAR Team Lg LG G GS IP W L SV H BB SO HR PPF H/9 BB/9 HR/9 K/9 GB% BABIP WHIP FIP ERA cFIP DRA DRA-
2005 SEA MLB AL 12 12 84.3 4 4 0 61 23 77 5 96 6.5 2.5 0.5 8.2 0% .253 1.00 2.88 2.67 66 2.28 49.0
2006 SEA MLB AL 31 31 191.0 12 14 0 195 60 176 23 102 9.2 2.8 1.1 8.3 0% .312 1.34 3.94 4.52 73 3.11 63.4
2007 SEA MLB AL 30 30 190.3 14 7 0 209 53 165 20 95 9.9 2.5 0.9 7.8 0% .333 1.38 3.81 3.92 73 3.17 65.5
2008 SEA MLB AL 31 31 200.7 9 11 0 198 80 175 17 99 8.9 3.6 0.8 7.8 0% .314 1.39 3.83 3.45 89 4.06 86.7
2009 SEA MLB AL 34 34 238.7 19 5 0 200 71 217 15 98 7.5 2.7 0.6 8.2 0% .278 1.14 3.12 2.49 76 2.66 57.0
2010 SEA MLB AL 34 34 249.7 13 12 0 194 70 232 17 99 7.0 2.5 0.6 8.4 0% .263 1.06 3.01 2.27 78 2.63 59.4
2011 SEA MLB AL 33 33 233.7 14 14 0 218 67 222 19 94 8.4 2.6 0.7 8.6 0% .307 1.22 3.16 3.47 84 3.26 75.7
2012 SEA MLB AL 33 33 232.0 13 9 0 209 56 223 14 86 8.1 2.2 0.5 8.7 0% .308 1.14 2.78 3.06 78 2.55 58.4
2013 SEA MLB AL 31 31 204.3 12 10 0 185 46 216 15 94 8.1 2.0 0.7 9.5 0% .314 1.13 2.63 3.04 71 2.68 64.2
2014 SEA MLB AL 34 34 236.0 15 6 0 170 46 248 16 89 6.5 1.8 0.6 9.5 0% .258 0.92 2.58 2.14 81 2.43 59.7
2015 SEA MLB AL 31 31 201.7 18 9 0 180 58 191 23 100 8.0 2.6 1.0 8.5 0% .288 1.18 3.68 3.53 94 3.55 82.8
2016 SEA MLB AL 25 25 153.3 11 8 0 138 65 122 19 101 8.1 3.8 1.1 7.2 52% .271 1.32 4.59 3.82 115 5.74 127.0
2016 EVE A- NWL 1 1 3.7 0 0 0 6 2 6 0 117 14.7 4.9 0.0 14.7 55% .545 2.18 2.13 7.36 89 7.10 156.7
2016 TAC AAA PCL 1 1 5.7 1 0 0 5 1 7 1 77 7.9 1.6 1.6 11.1 64% .308 1.06 4.07 1.59 74 2.63 58.0
2017 SEA MLB AL 16 16 86.7 6 5 0 86 26 78 17 103 8.9 2.7 1.8 8.1 49% .288 1.29 5.00 4.36 112 5.72 121.7
2017 TAC AAA PCL 3 3 13.0 2 0 0 9 3 16 1 80 6.2 2.1 0.7 11.1 42% .267 0.92 2.95 4.15 72 2.32 49.5
2018 SEA MLB AL 29 28 155.7 8 14 0 159 59 125 27 97 9.2 3.4 1.6 7.2 48% .286 1.40 5.21 5.55 110 5.30 118.5
2019 SEA MLB AL 15 15 71.7 1 8 0 85 25 57 17 99 10.7 3.1 2.1 7.2 49% .309 1.53 6.03 6.40 113 7.10 145.7
2019 EVE A- NWL 2 2 6.0 0 0 0 1 0 10 0 127 1.5 0.0 0.0 15.0 60% .200 0.17 0.29 0.00 46 1.14 23.4
2019 MOD A+ CAL 1 1 2.0 0 0 0 3 0 3 0 90 13.5 0.0 0.0 13.5 33% .500 1.50 0.66 9.00 81 5.52 113.5
2019 TAC AAA PCL 2 2 5.3 0 1 0 6 4 7 0 88 10.1 6.8 0.0 11.8 43% .429 1.88 4.54 5.06 93 5.06 104.1

Plate Discipline

YEAR Pits Zone% Swing% Contact% Z-Swing% O-Swing% Z-Contact% O-Contact% SwStr%
2008 3020 0.5361 0.4623 0.7908 0.6109 0.2905 0.8645 0.6118 0.2092
2009 3603 0.5179 0.4596 0.7548 0.6013 0.3074 0.8556 0.5431 0.2452
2010 3709 0.5317 0.4594 0.7682 0.5872 0.3143 0.8618 0.5696 0.2318
2011 3479 0.5116 0.4530 0.7798 0.5837 0.3161 0.8585 0.6276 0.2202
2012 3312 0.4786 0.4710 0.7494 0.6126 0.3411 0.8682 0.5535 0.2506
2013 3163 0.4622 0.4603 0.7473 0.5971 0.3427 0.8900 0.5334 0.2527
2014 3418 0.4444 0.4587 0.7143 0.5800 0.3618 0.8695 0.5153 0.2857
2015 3026 0.4491 0.4603 0.7487 0.5931 0.3521 0.8859 0.5605 0.2513
2016 2452 0.4221 0.4588 0.7733 0.6174 0.3430 0.8983 0.6091 0.2267
2017 1376 0.4826 0.4695 0.7833 0.6069 0.3413 0.8784 0.6255 0.2167
2018 2561 0.4385 0.4440 0.8012 0.6171 0.3088 0.9033 0.6419 0.1988
2019 1211 0.4938 0.4310 0.7816 0.5920 0.2741 0.8757 0.5833 0.2184
Career343300.48300.45850.76300.59890.32620.87400.57630.2370

Injury History  —  No longer being updated

Last Update: 12/31/2014 23:59 ET

Date On Date Off Transaction Days Games Side Body Part Injury Severity Surgery Date Reaggravation
2014-08-16 2014-08-16 DTD 0 0 Right Hip Contusion Batted Ball -
2013-09-03 2013-09-22 DTD 19 18 - Abdomen Strain Oblique - -
2013-05-14 2013-05-14 DTD 0 0 - Low Back Soreness - -
2013-04-23 2013-04-23 DTD 0 0 - Low Back Stiffness - -
2012-07-29 2012-07-29 DTD 0 0 Left Wrist Contusion Batted Ball - -
2012-06-02 2012-06-12 DTD 10 8 - Low Back Soreness - -
2011-09-25 2011-09-29 DTD 4 4 Right Forearm Contusion Batted Ball - -
2009-08-28 2009-08-28 DTD 0 0 General Medical Respiratory Flu -
2009-08-18 2009-08-18 DTD 0 0 Thigh Cramp Hamstring -
2009-05-04 2009-05-04 DTD 0 0 General Medical Respiratory Flu -
2009-04-06 2009-04-06 DTD 0 0 Right Ankle Sprain Lateral -
2008-06-24 2008-07-11 15-DL 17 16 Left Ankle Sprain -
2008-05-19 2008-05-26 DTD 7 6 Right Lower Leg Cramp Calf -
2007-04-19 2007-05-15 15-DL 26 23 Right Elbow Strain Flexor Pronator Mass -
2006-09-30 2006-09-30 DTD 0 0 Left Lower Leg Strain Calf -
2006-05-19 2006-05-19 DTD 0 0 Ankle Sprain -
2006-03-24 2006-04-07 Camp 14 4 Left Lower Leg Inflammation Shin Splints -
2005-06-19 2005-07-15 Minors 26 22 Right Shoulder Inflammation Bursitis - Date Is Estimated -

Compensation

Year Team Salary
2020 ATL $
2019 SEA $27,857,142
2018 SEA $26,857,143
2017 SEA $26,857,143
2016 SEA $25,857,143
2015 SEA $24,857,143
2014 SEA $22,857,143
2013 SEA $19,857,143
2012 SEA $19,700,000
2011 SEA $12,700,000
2010 SEA $7,200,000
2009 SEA $3,800,000
2008 SEA $540,000
2007 SEA $420,000
2006 SEA $340,000
YearsDescriptionSalary
14 yrPrevious$219,700,000
14 yrTotal$219,700,000

 

Service TimeAgentContract Status
14 y 60 dWil Polidor, Alan Nero1 year (2021)

Details
  • 1 year (2021). Signed by Baltimore as a free agent 2/3/21 (minor-league contract). Salary of $1M in majors. Hernandez exercised right to opt out of contract 3/29/21.
  • 1 year (2020). Signed by Atlanta as a free agent 1/20/20 (minor-league contract). Salary of $1M in majors.
  • 7 years/$175M (2013-19). Signed extension with Seattle 2/13/13. $6M signing bonus. 13:$19M, 14:$22M, 15:$24M, 16:$25M, 17:$26M, 18:$26M, 19:$27M, 20:$1M conditional club option. Club may exercise 2020 option if Hernandez spends more than 130 consecutive days (in one season or from one season overlapping into the next) on disabled list with right elbow surgery or other procedure to repair right elbow injury. Award bonuses: $0.2M for Cy Young. $0.1M for WS MVP. $50,000 each for LCS MVP, Gold Glove, All-Star. Full no-trade protection (earns 10-and-5 rights in July 2015). At signing, contract is the largest ever for a pitcher.
  • 5 years/$78M (2010-14). Signed extension with Seattle 1/19/10 (avoided arbitration, $11.5M-$7.2M). $3.5M signing bonus. 10:$6.5M, 11:$10M, 12:$18.5M, 13:$19.5M, 14:$20M limited no-trade protection (may block deals to 10 clubs annually). Award bonuses: $50,000 each for All-Star, LCS MVP, Gold Glove. $0.1M for WS MVP. $0.2M for Cy Young. 2010 Cy Young increases 2011 salary by $1M to $11M, 2012 salary by $0.5M to $19M, 2013 salary by $0.5M to $20M, 2014 salary by $0.5M to $20.5M.
  • 1 year/$3.8M (2009). Re-signed by Seattle 1/19/09 (avoided arbitration). Award bonus: $50,000 for All Star ($25,000 for selection)
  • 1 year/$0.54M (2008). Renewed by Seattle 3/08.
  • 1 year/$0.42M (2007). Renewed by Seattle 3/07
  • 1 year/$0.34M (2006). Renewed by Seattle 3/06
  • 1 year (2005). Contract purchased by Seattle 8/05
  • Signed by Seattle 7/02 as an amateur free agent from Venezuela. $0.71M signing bonus.

2019 Preseason Forecast

Last Update: 1/27/2017 12:35 ET

PCT W L SV G GS IP H BB SO HR BABIP WHIP ERA DRA VORP WARP
90o 0 0.6 0 1 1 15.6 13 5 13 2 .252 1.12 3.59 3.98 -0.4 0.0
80o 0 0.6 0 1 1 11.7 10 4 10 1 .262 1.19 3.92 4.34 -0.5 -0.1
70o 0 0.7 0 1 1 9.0 8 3 7 1 .269 1.23 4.16 4.6 -0.7 -0.1
60o 0 0.7 0 1 1 6.8 6 2 6 1 .275 1.27 4.35 4.82 -0.8 -0.1
50o 0 0.7 0 1 1 4.7 4 2 4 1 .281 1.31 4.55 5.04 -0.9 -0.1
40o 0 0.7 0 1 1 2.7 3 1 2 0 .287 1.35 4.74 5.25 -1.0 -0.1
30o 0 0.7 0 1 1 0.5 1 0 0 0 .294 1.39 4.95 5.48 -1.1 -0.1
Weighted Mean00.70114.44241.2801.304.535.02-0.9-0.1

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BP Annual Player Comments

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BP Articles

Click here to see articles tagged with Félix Hernández

BP Chats

DateQuestionAnswer
2017-02-06 23:00:00 (link to chat)If you had a semi-old, win-now team in a deep dynasty league with separate minors rosters, would you sell a promising young stud prospect bat like Alex Kirilloff for an older but stable pitcher like Jeff Samardzija or a rapidly declining star like Felix Hernandez? Or hold tight?
(Rodney Ruxin from Los Banos)
I'd move Kiriloff for Shark there, yeah. I like the kid's bat, but he's several years away, and if you're that leveraged for the here and now already, go for it while the going's still possible. The idea of acquiring Felix right now in most any context makes me sad, and the fact that it makes me sad makes me even sadder. :(

A revolution riddim, dis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eciArkBTeBM (Wilson Karaman)
2016-04-21 19:00:00 (link to chat)Worried about Felix? What number SP in your rankings would you be okay trading Him for in yearly and dynasty leagues? Had an offer of Stras for my Felix and Berrios in 12tm roto dynasty.
(Prince Magic from Land of Purple Sanoooo)
I'm not worried exactly, but I believe that Felix Hernandez is going to be more of what he was last year and not the shutdown ace he was in his prime. I could see moving him for a Top 20 guy. In dynasty, I'd rather give up someone with less of a ceiling than Jose Berrios in that deal. (Mike Gianella)
2015-12-15 14:00:00 (link to chat)Aside from Junior I can't remember many Mariner prospects living up to their billing?
(John from CT)
Alex Rodriguez and Felix Hernandez say HELLO FROM THE OTHER SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIDE (Christopher Crawford)
2015-01-12 13:00:00 (link to chat)When the Seahawks play in the Superbowl, which Mariner player am I most likely to see sitting in the stands on the 50 yard line?
(Betty from Seattle)
I'll go with Felix Hernandez. Did I get it right?? (Matthew Kory)
2014-09-05 13:00:00 (link to chat)Star pitcher most likely to begin his regression stage next year?
(Zod from Phantom Zone)
You mean like Verlander this year? I hate to bet against players, or seem like I'm wishing ill on them, but I'm in constant worry over the workload on Felix Hernandez's arm. He's certainly adapted well to the gradual decline in his velocity, so hopefully he'll have a strong second act a la Jered Weaver, rather than burning out. (Cory Schwartz)
2014-04-24 13:00:00 (link to chat)Jose Fernandez is the most exciting young arm since _______.
(seddrah from Seattle)
Felix Hernandez? (Paul Sporer)
2014-02-28 14:00:00 (link to chat)Very deep 20-team dynasty league: I need MLB-ready pitching. I was offered Felix Hernandez and two bench bats (Likely Ackley and R Weeks) for Archie Bradley, Matt Harvey, and Marcus Stroman. I know you're not Sayre, Sporer, etc. But from the pitching expert side, do Harvey's TJ recovery, Bradley's control, and Stroman's size give you reason to part for the King?
(Jonah from Redwood)
It really depends on your team makeup and whether you have a good shot at 2014 contention or built for the long haul. I am optimistic about Harvey's return from injury, and he can be the King's equal if he comes all the way back. Interestingly, though, they are only about 3 yrs apart in age (Felix is just 27). Bradley and Stroman add considerable upside to the deal, and I would probably hold on to the young arms in a dynasty league - esp one with 20 teams, given that you need to have some extremes in order to prevail. But if you have a very strong team for 2014 that could age its way out of contention, then you may have to pull the trigger. (Doug Thorburn)
2014-02-11 13:00:00 (link to chat)Who are some starting pitchers outside the Top 30 (think 30-50 range) that you are targeting to fill in the middle of your rotation this year? Thanks!
(Bwamps from LA)
Partly depends on your top 30. Pitchers outside my wife's top 30 that I'd target: Max Scherzer, Adam Wainwright, Cliff Lee, Felix Hernandez.

If we use this top 30: http://espn.go.com/fantasy/baseball/story/_/page/2014_ranks_SP/tristan-h-cockcroft-fantasy-baseball-starting-pitcher-rankings-2014 then I'd say...Fister, Cueto, Walker, maybe Peralta. Medlen is 29 on that list and I'm exceptionally bullish on Medlen this year. Irrationally, one might say. (Sam Miller)
2013-10-28 18:00:00 (link to chat)CC Sabathia worth targeting/stashing for cheap next year? seems his year was horrid yet had 14W, 175K. Big bounce back candidate if he controls the long ball, even though hes lost a few ticks on the FB?
(George from Bronx)
If he's cheap enough, sure. As you point out the whiffs were high and he could be one of those pitchers who figure out how to live with diminished velocity. Felix Hernandez's fastball speed keeps dropping and he had one of his best seasons in 2013, while Ubaldo Jimenez finally managed to figure it out in the second half. My concern about CC is that the drop in velo is the sign of an injury lurking and that if you take him you might only get 75-100 innings next year. So if the price is right grab him, but don't simply think that second tier is "cheap" (Mike Gianella)
2013-10-23 13:00:00 (link to chat)Fantasy Keeper League, you can only keep 3 of the following players. Who do you keep? Bryce Harper, Yasiel Puig, Hanley Ramirez, Edwin Encarnacion, Jose Fernandez, Felix Hernandez and Adam Wainwright
(Jason from Philly)
I'd lean Hanley, Harper, and Felix. Although you can probably make a case for Fernandez. (R.J. Anderson)
2013-10-11 14:00:00 (link to chat)In your time evaluating pitcher mechanics, who are some pitchers who displayed an erratic or unconventional delivery, yet managed to succeed on a consistent, year-to-year basis? Why were they successful compared to other pitchers who seem to be at the mercy of their mechanics?
(Nick from Southern California)
Amazing question. Pitchers with mechanical irregularities are fighting an uphill battle, but that isn't to say that it can't be done. My favorite example of this is Clayton Kershaw - he has three different speeds on his way to the plate, which has the potential to greatly disrupt his timing. It was an issue early in his career, but now Kershaw has figured it out and can repeat his delivery ad nauseum. Kershaw has also improved his posture at release point in virtually every season of his career, and the best pitchers are those who make the necessary adjustments over time (Felix Hernandez is another example). Also, keep in mind that "unconventional" is not synonymous with "inefficient," and there are pitchers who have some funk yet possess solid mechanics. There are many pitchers who survive on pure stuff, in spite of their mechanics, and these players tend to fall off the map when their raw stuff starts to wane and the lack of command or shallow release point rears its ugly head.

On the jukebox: Snot, "Tecato" (Doug Thorburn)
2013-07-19 13:00:00 (link to chat)Happy Friday, Paul. Excited about the prospect of your pitching website. Recently added Julio Urias and Luiz Gohara as long-term investments for dynasty league with ten slots for minors. Any possibility of either tracking Felix Hernandez?
(nictaclacta from Phoenix)
Waaaaaaaaaay early for that, but the fun of prospects is dreaming big. You have a looooooooong wait ahead of you, but plenty of dreaming! (Paul Sporer)
2013-06-18 13:00:00 (link to chat)What do you think about Felix Hernandez's velocity drop over the past few years? He continues to have excellent results despite the loss in velocity. Do you expect him to continue to be this effective in the years to come?
(Mike from CT)
Velocity drops, some guys adapt and others don't. Certain types of pitchers have a better chance at adapting. Felix is going to be effective, if not dominant, for a while. His stuff is still very good and his command world class. (Harry Pavlidis)
2013-03-12 13:00:00 (link to chat)Dynasty league trade, my lineup: Arencibia, Frazier(1b), Espinosa(2b), Miggy(3b), Rutledge(SS), Cuddyer(OF), Melky(OF), Marte(OF), De Aza(OF), Moustakas(DH), Samardzija(SP), Lester(SP), Morrow(SP), Volquez(SP), Bauer(SP). I am looking to acquire a #1SP and this trade has been proposed to me: Felix Hernandez, Wil Myers and Billy Hamilton. Should I stand pat??? I also have Profar, Olt, Taveras and Zunino along with Dylan Bundy, Kevin Gausman, Chris Archer and Kyle Zimmer waiting on the bench. Pull the trigger....I an torn.
(MerleDixon from Fantasy prison)
So you give those two for Felix? It's completely fair and fits your desires for a #1. Try to give one of the SP prospects instead of Hamilton, but if s/he says no, then I'd do the proposed deal. (Paul Sporer)
2013-01-22 13:00:00 (link to chat)In the big picture, what is Erasmo Ramirez going forward for Seattle ? A place holder until the Big Three arrive or a legit #3 or 4 type on his own ? Or something in between ?
(jj0501 from E. Washington)
My guess, jj0501, is that Ramirez is a number four. I wouldn't call him a placeholder for the Big Three-in part because it's possible that shrinks to the Big Two or the Big One thanks to trades, attrition, and role changes-but I also don't believe you should ink him in like you do with Felix Hernandez. (R.J. Anderson)
2012-11-29 13:00:00 (link to chat)in your opinion can you please rate the top 3-5 SPs, in terms of talent and being able to perform on a big stage....
(cristian from los angeles)
Great question, cristian. For me, there are only about 12-15 true #1 type starting pitchers, and part of being that guy is the ability to step up your game and produce when your club most requires it. My top five starters, in no particular order, would be Kershaw, Verlander, Felix Hernandez, Cain, and Price, with Jared Weaver a close sixth. (Dan Evans)
2012-11-09 14:00:00 (link to chat)There were grave concerns over Felix Hernandez's pitching mechanics during his first couple of years with the Mariners. Those understandably stopped as King Felix became a reliable 230-250 inning/year guy. Yet, he seemed to wear out in the 2nd half of 2012. How concerned are we now?
(Hoot Stromboli from American Canadian)
Felix has made a number of adjustments to his delivery since his MLB debut, and his efficiency has been steadily improving along with his functional strength. He added the twist in max leg lift a couple of years ago, and he swears by it, though he has had some issues with consistently lining up his delivery out of the twist. The strategy has helped his timing, but this past season he did have some problems with inconsistent positioning that caused him to tinker with his starting position on the mound. I wouldn't be too concerned about his future, beyond the usual caveats behind a high-energy delivery with an extensive IP history.

On the jukebox: Bad Religion, "Stranger than Fiction" (Doug Thorburn)
2012-05-31 14:00:00 (link to chat)Why has it almost always been lefty/righty platoons? Why aren't their more fastball hitter / junkball hitter platoons? or platoons based on who's pitching for their own team such as a more defensive infielder for groundball pitchers, etc. - or have there been many of those that we haven't noticed?
(hotstatrat from T.O.)
To the extent it's not happening, it's hard to say why. BP authors have been calling for this kind of thing since before I started reading, and I'm old. It seems like an obvious thing to try.

Which makes me think, moving to the second half, that it is being done more than we realize. Of course, managers don't really platoon much at all, but when they're picking spots to give someone a rest day, there's a possibility that they're putting the bench infielder at short on the day when the junkballer is throwing and just not really mentioning it because the main reason the starter isn't starting is because it's a day off.

Not to go all-A's, but Bob Melvin did, on Opening Day Part One (the Japan version) start Eric Sogard at third base instead of theoretical starter Josh Donaldson. Felix Hernandez was on the mound, and Melvin reasoned that Sogard had more of a contact-oriented approach than Donaldson. He insisted that it was not a lefty/right issue. (Jason Wojciechowski)
2011-12-14 13:00:00 (link to chat)Does Matt Moore have a Felix Hernandez type career, David Price type career, or other?
(Anello from Chicago)
Other. He has a Matt Moore type of career. (Jason Parks)
2011-12-02 14:00:00 (link to chat)Following up on Roger's question - Would you consider all the following as pure #1 starters: Halladay, Lee, Hamels, Lincecum, Kershaw, Sabathia, Verlander, Weaver, Haren, Felix Hernandez, Beckett, Lester, Shields? Are there others I am missing that you would add to the #1 starter list?
(sb from ny)
I don't even think all of those are No. 1s, but most of them are. My list doesn't need more than two hands. (Kevin Goldstein)
2011-08-17 13:00:00 (link to chat)You're the new Angels GM. 2012 is coming, and all signs seem to point that Jered Weaver is going to go to free agency after that season, assuming the Mayans weren't right about the world ending. What's your: A) maximum offer to Weaver in hopes of signing an extension with the Angels. B) maximum offer to Weaver if he goes on the FA market C) If you believe your max offers won't get the job done, do you trade him before July 31, 2012?
(WestCoastMets from Los Angeles, CA)
The Angels had the perfect opportunity to lock up Weaver last season, at the industry-approved 5 years, $75 million that Felix Hernandez and Justin Verlander re-upped for. Instead, they took him to arbitration over $1 million after giving him what was probably an unreasonably low offer. I don't think there's a great chance they sign him after 2012, and I doubt they'll have a particularly constructive negotiation with him this off-season.

I'm not sure I'd trade him before he hits free agency, though. The Angels have a mini-window in 2012 before pretty much their entire team hits free agency, and if I rebuild I probably do it after that. (Sam Miller)
2011-07-13 12:30:00 (link to chat)Does Leland pitch Verlander till his arm falls off?
(Paul from DC)
Evidently--Verlander has the second-most Pitcher Abuse points in the majors, and he's averaging 119 pitches per game, with a high of 134--but at least he's doing it in pursuit of a pennant. What's Eric Wedge's excuse for overworking Felix Hernandez? (Ben Lindbergh)
2010-12-07 13:00:00 (link to chat)The following trade is perfectly fair, a win-win for both fantasy teams, True or False? Carlos Gonzalez AND ( Dan Uggla OR Chase Utley ) FOR Felix Hernandez
(mwball75 from Cincy, OH)
Gonzalez and Utley for Hernandez is insanity. Gonzalez may be a Coors product right now, but unless your league is adjusting for that, he's a fantasy monster. Hernandez is one of the best pitchers in baseball, but giving up two elite hitters for one elite pitcher doesn't make sense to me. (Marc Normandin)
2010-10-14 13:00:00 (link to chat)I don't have a question, I just wanted to point out that I just saw that Donovan Tate was born in 1990. I feel really, really old.
(saccabbee from Austin, TX)
My first realization that I would never be a major leaguer came when Justin Upton was drafted at 17 years old. Felix Hernandez is about two weeks younger than I am. (Marc Normandin)
2010-09-21 13:00:00 (link to chat)Keep 5 of 6 next year, who ya got? (OPS/QS league) Miguel Cabrera, Adrian Gonzalez, Felix Hernandez, Cliff Lee, Ryan Braun, Jason Heyward
(malmstorm from Austin TX)
Miggy, Felix, Lee, Heyward, Braun. I love Adrian Gonzalez, but Petco. Braun's numbers have a weird, one-year split I expect will disappear in 2011. (Marc Normandin)
2010-09-21 13:00:00 (link to chat)What do you make of the Cy Young argument in the American League?
(Bobby G from Helena)
I think it should be Felix Hernandez or Jon Lester, and it comes down to their last few starts. Lester seemed like he had fallen out of the race, but he has been nigh untouchable for about five starts now and propelled himself right back into it. I wrote something about it about a week ago, but then he went and shut the Jays down over the weekend as well. Here's a link! (Marc Normandin)
2010-06-28 14:00:00 (link to chat)No Ubaldo in the top 5? Not that I'm arguing with the top 5 of Halladay, Timmy, Lee, JJ and Lester. Picking five is difficult; if not impossible.
(johnsond16 from Wherever you find yourself; there you are)
I'm as big an Ubaldo booster as you'll find, been touting him for years as underrated and I'm delighted to see him doing what he's doing. If we're talking 2010 stats, sure he's a top fiver, and might even be the Cy Young winner if he can avoid falling apart in the second half. But if you're taking a larger sample into account, you might want to put guys like Adam Wainwright and Chris Carpenter ahead of him. Maybe Zack Greinke and Felix Hernandez as well.

OK, here's one way of looking at it: 20008-2010 ERA+ leaders, 300 inning mininimum: http://bbref.com/pi/shareit/V8Caz. Ubaldo is 11th behidn all fo the guys listed above plus Johan Santana, who's really starting to show some wear and trending downward. So Ubaldo: top 10 for me unless we're specifically limiting the discussion to 2010 only. (Jay Jaffe)
2010-06-10 13:00:00 (link to chat)Four years ago I had an initial draft for an AL only dynasty league and built my team around Grady Sizemore, Alex Gordon, BJ Upton, Felix Hernandez, Scott Kazmir and Joba Chamberlain. Do you know of any support groups I can join?
(achaik from maine)
Well at least Bossman Junior is doing well again! (Marc Normandin)
2010-03-24 11:00:00 (link to chat)It seems that the Mariners have been hyped up as playoff contenders every preseason lately, and never meet expectations. What's to say this year any different?
(EStanislawski from New York, NY)
Well, the difference in part is who is saying it. In years past it was sort of a silly prediction, I think, since the Angels were much better and the M's were much worse.

But with Felix Hernandez and Cliff Lee, they have one of the best 1-2 punches in baseball. They play stupid, out-of-their-minds defense (you all saw that Ichiro catch yesterday, right?). They will really struggle to score runs, but they could easily play hot for a week or two and end up at about 85 wins. The AL West might be the most competitive division in baseball at the moment, though. (Tommy Bennett)
2010-02-17 16:00:00 (link to chat)Fantasy Keeper question: Which six do you like the best for this coming year? Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Troy Tulowitzki, Nelson Cruz, Felix Hernandez, Yovanni Gallardo, Clayton Kershaw, Tommy Hanson, and Clay Buchholz. Right now, I would say Howard, Utley, Tulo, Felix, Hanson, and Gallardo. But I am having a tough time deciding and was wondering if you could throw in your two cents. Have a great day Tommy !!
(Lopecci from Cubicle City)
Assuming traditional 5x5, I'd say Howard, Utley, Tulo, Felix, Cruz, Kershaw. But at the end there it's pretty close. Oh, and you too! (Tommy Bennett)
2009-11-19 13:00:00 (link to chat)Do you still do the most valuable commodities in baseball article during the offseason? Was taht you who did it in the first place? Either way, wouldn't J Upton be #1?
(brian from brooklyn)
That was Nate Silver's piece, although it's an interesting concept we should resurrect. I think Hanley Ramirez, Joe Mauer and Felix Hernandez all challenge Upton. (Joe Sheehan)
2009-10-07 14:30:00 (link to chat)Zack Greinke should win the AL Cy Young, right? And Felix Hernandez should be his only real competition, right? Please tell me that Verlander and Sabathia won't snipe this award.
(Scotty from KC)
Zack should win; he's had one of the great seasons of the decade this year, and with the Little Sisters of the Poor playing behind him to bood. I think he's going to, because the public opinion on him has come around over the last few weeks in a similar manner to that regarding Mauer.

And the Phillies score again because Carlos Gonzalez runs into the wall and fails to make the catch on a Ryan Howard fly ball, 3-0. I know it's windy there, but whatever happened to quality outfield play? (Jay Jaffe)
2009-09-24 14:00:00 (link to chat)Is everybody ready to concede that the only two bona fide contenders for the AL CYA are Zack Greinke and Felix Hernandez??
(kcboomer from kc)
If that many. Greinke should have it locked up. (Joe Sheehan)
2009-08-11 13:00:00 (link to chat)How do you feel about Felix Hernandez now versus three years ago
(dtwhite from Toronto)
Still very risky, still very very good. (Will Carroll)
2009-06-03 15:00:00 (link to chat)Jeff Clement: Are the Mariners going to use him at any point this season?
(jlebeck66 from WI)
Perhaps for an organ donation, if he's a match for Griffey or Felix Hernandez.

Seriously, I don't understand this one. They must really hate the living **** out of Clement's defense to let him linger for so long, and they've really dented his trade value. I certainly have more faith in Jack Z's judgment than that of Bill Bavasi, but Clement needs a ticket out of that organization stat. (Jay Jaffe)
2009-05-18 14:00:00 (link to chat)Why does it seem like everyone has forgotten that Felix Hernandez exists?
(Joel from GA)
Who?

OK, I'm kidding, of course. It's a fair complaint, but I think much of the problem is the enthusiasm for novelty. In Mariners history, it's novel to see Erik Bedard doing the things that were expected of him, and it's also exciting to see Jarrod Washburn keep on keeping on as far as perpetuating last year's second-half success. And serene above all that is King Felix, ascending as expected--damnably tedious as story lines go. Maybe he needs silly facial hair. Or to hire Turk Wendell to coach him on endearing, contrived nervous tics. Or to be found eating kittens. I don't know, but at this rate, merely growing up to be every bit as excellent as expected is the sort of thing that just isn't seen as "news" in some circles. (Christina Kahrl)
2009-04-20 13:00:00 (link to chat)Felix Hernandez: Top 3 in Cy Young Balloting in 20_
(Dylan from Toronto)
07. Wait. 08. No...09.

I've been wrong on him before. I'll keep trying. (Joe Sheehan)
2009-02-16 14:00:00 (link to chat)What's the best -- and worst -- evaluation you've heard on Jhoulys Chacin?
(Tim from Denver)
I went through my notes and got you actual quotes. Best: "Felix Hernandez lite" Worst: "A guy with a lot of pitches, but none of them are knockout. One of those consistent fourth types." (Kevin Goldstein)
2009-02-24 13:00:00 (link to chat)True or false: Felix Hernandez wins a Cy Young award in the next 3 years.
(MarinerDan from SF, CA)
True. (Joe Sheehan)
2009-02-19 13:00:00 (link to chat)I can pretty much take what you just said about Matt Cain, apply that to Felix Hernandez and feel bad about my team's future, huh? Anything special about the fact that Felix averages just under 100 pitches per start to brighten my day?
(philosofool from Athens)
Or any young pitcher, so don't feel like I'm singling you out. In fact, Mr. Fool, you had a great comment about regression vs Verducci that has me working on a study, so please email me. (Will Carroll)
2008-12-15 13:00:00 (link to chat)My initial reaction to giving a player an opt-out clause (like Burnett, A-Rod, and CC) is that they were horrible decisions by the club. But upon further consideration, I actually like them in many cases. I think the most likely scenario is that CC stays relatively healthy and productive for the first 3 years of his deal. This probably leads him to opting out, which allows the Yankees to avoid the risker portion of the contract. Really, the only scenarios I can think of where it is less desireable than the straight 7-year contract is (1) the Burnett Scenario where he is not really healthy the first couple years, but opts out after a dominant 3rd year OR (2) he stays productive all 7 years, but opts out after 3 years and the Yankees miss 4 years of below-market production from an elite pitcher. But really, scenario #1 isn't that bad, particularly if the guy keeps getting injured (Toronto will probably be thrilled he opted out in a year). And to me, scenario #2 is pretty unlikely. If I'm the Yankees, I'm praying he opts out so I can go after Matt Cain, Felix Hernandez, or Ervin Santana in 3 years for a similar deal. Am I crazy or missing something here?
(mymrbig from New Orleans)
Joe Sheehan made largely this argument in Vegas. Not sure if he's written it, though I think he has. I'm looking at it as a 3 year contract with a 90 million buck insurance policy on it for Sabathia, because he only stays if things have gone wrong. So yes, I agree with you, Big. (Will Carroll)
2008-10-06 14:00:00 (link to chat)Hi Joe. Is your aversion to C.C. from a Yankee perspective a) health concerns, b) need or c) both?
(Joe from Washington, DC)
C. I don't like him in the medium- or long-term because of his body. I think even if his arm holds out, the rest of him will break down. There are actually a LOT of pitchers coming onto either the trade or FA markets behind Sabathia who are a lot more attractive to me, and I'd rather wait on them, save the money for Felix Hernandez or John Lackey or someone like that. (Joe Sheehan)
2008-09-09 13:30:00 (link to chat)Even with this season, you put nine pitchers ahead of Cliff Lee?
(newsense from NYC)
Oh, absolutely. If we're drafting right this moment for 2009, I probably go...hmmm...Lincecum, Santana, Peavy, Sabathia, Halladay (close call there), Webb, Lackey. Do you take Lee over Zambrano? Beckett? Felix Hernandez? Harden, even? It's one very, very good year. (Joe Sheehan)
2008-05-22 13:00:00 (link to chat)Is it still possible that Pat Neshek may need some sort of surgery before his rehab is complete?
(mnsportsguy1 from Shakopee, MN)
Sadly, yes. This is a similar situation to Francisco Liriano. Neshek's a good dude and a Facebook friend. I'm rooting for him, but not hopeful. That motion was fun and effective, but untenable. It brings up the point of effectiveness versus efficiency, which is a very tough one. For a pitcher like Neshek, that funk got him to the bigs against the odds. For someone like Peavy or Felix Hernandez, it's VERY hard to change them given results. Of course, injuries have also been a part of their results. (Will Carroll)
2008-05-01 13:00:00 (link to chat)Given the amount of innings Halladay can pitch, Beckett's injury problems, and Sabathia's control problems at the beginning of the year is Halladay the best starter in the AL?
(Forden from Alberta)
Felix Hernandez. (Joe Sheehan)
2008-02-07 14:00:00 (link to chat)Now that Santana is out of the American League who do you see as the early favorite to win the Cy Young? Will Sabathia repeat or will someone step up and knock him off his perch?
(Martin from New Jersey)
John Lackey and Felix Hernandez are atop my list. Justin Verlander, because of the run support. (Joe Sheehan)


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PITCHf/x Pitcher Profile

A Collaboration between BrooksBaseball.net and Baseball Prospectus - Pitch classifications provided by Pitch Info LLC


Although he has not thrown an MLB pitch in 2023, Félix Hernández threw 37,309 pitches that were tracked by the PITCHf/x system between 2007 and 2021, all of them occuring in Spring Training. In 2021, he relied primarily on his Sinker (86mph) and Curve (78mph), also mixing in a Change (81mph). He also rarely threw a Slider (80mph).