Mariners agree to 2-year, $10M deal with Cishek
After landing his setup man earlier this offseason, Seattle Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto now has his closer.
The Mariners agreed to a two-year, $10-million deal with right-handed reliever Steve Cishek on Monday. Cishek will take over as the team's closer, and can pocket an additional $7 million in incentives if he can hold on to the role.
"Steve gives us a proven bullpen presence with significant experience closing games," Dipoto said. "He's a character guy who adds a new angle and fresh look to our pen."
The 29-year-old converted 94 saves across five seasons with the Miami Marlins, including a career-high 39 in 2014. However, after struggling mightily last season, he was removed from the closer's role and optioned to Double-A in June.
In 32 appearances in 2015, Cishek posted a 4.50 ERA and 1.59 WHIP. In late July, he was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals where he found success pitching in earlier innings. In 27 appearances with the Cardinals, Cishek managed a 2.31 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, and 20 strikeouts over 23 1/3 innings. St. Louis opted to non-tender him earlier this month, making him a free agent.
Joaquin Benoit will slide in front of Cishek in the setup role.