Mariners rumors: Seattle hoping to extend Felix Hernandez

There have been no new extension talks between the Seattle Mariners and right-hander Felix Hernandez, reports Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com:

there have been no new king felix talks. 1 of the 3 best pitchers in mlb (verlander, kershaw) has 2 years to go on deal.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) October 11, 2012

Hernandez’s current five-year, $78 million contract expires after the 2014 season, spurring talks of his future as the Mariners prepare for the offseason. Still only 26 years old, the Cy Young perennial Cy Young candidate is in line for another hefty deal.

The Mariners are hoping they’ll able to ink the right-hander to his next agreement, and Hernandez has said he’d like to remain in Seattle. There have been recent reports of the sides working hard toward an extension that could be completed just before or after the World Series.

Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik wouldn’t comment on the rumor, but did confirm that there’s a mutual interest in having Hernandez sign a long-term extension with the club.

Hernandez has spent eight seasons at the major league level, as he debuted in 2005 as a 19-year-old. The three-time All-Star won the American League Cy Young Award in 2010 and owns a career ERA of 3.22.