Report: Dodgers' deal with Iwakuma in jeopardy after physical
The Los Angeles Dodgers are reportedly backing out of their tentative deal with free-agent right-hander Hisashi Iwakuma after issues arose during the pitcher's physical.
News of a potential snag in the deal was first reported by Japanese media outlet Jiji Press, which claimed that the Dodgers had nixed the agreement because Iwakuma had failed his physical.
However, sources tell Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times that it would be "inaccurate" to say the Dodgers have backed out of the deal altogether, and multiple reports indicate talks between two sides are ongoing.
Both Hernandez and Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports speculate an issue with Iwakuma's physical could lead to a restructuring of the three-year, $45-million contract reportedly struck during baseball's winter meetings last week.
As of Thursday, it was the only major signing from the meetings in Nashville that had yet to be finalized.
Either way, news of the reported roadblock is yet another blow to the Dodgers' frustrating offseason, which has included a failed trade for embattled Cincinnati Reds closer Aroldis Chapman, and Zack Greinke's defection to the division rival Arizona Diamondbacks.
Since then, the Dodgers have been connected to several free agents who have gone on to sign with National League clubs, including Ben Zobrist, and new San Francisco Giants pitchers Johnny Cueto and Jeff Samardzija. Rosenthal notes that before news of the Iwakuma report broke, the Dodgers had expressed interest in free-agent pitchers Mike Leake and Scott Kazmir.
Iwakuma, 34, has battled injuries the last two seasons while pitching for the Seattle Mariners, including a sprained finger in 2014, and strained lat muscle in 2015. He was an All-Star two years ago, and last year became just the second Japanese-born pitcher to throw a no-hitter.
If the two sides eventually complete the deal, the Dodgers will surrender their first-round pick in next year's draft because Iwakuma rejected the Mariners' $15.8-million qualifying offer.