Mariners decline options on Yovani Gallardo, Hisashi Iwakuma

The Mariners have elected to decline their 2018 options on both Yovani Gallardo and Hisashi Iwakuma, making the pair eligible for free agency this winter, the team announced this afternoon. Seattle has also reinstated pitchers David Phelps and Drew Smyly from the 60-day disabled list.

Rather than his $13M salary option, Gallardo will be given a $2M buyout. Iwakuma will receive a $1M buyout instead of a $10 million salary.

Gallardo pingponged between Seattle’s starting rotation and bullpen this year, ultimate finishing the season with a 5.72 ERA and 94 strikeouts over 130.2 innings. The veteran was picked up by Seattle in a trade with Baltimore last offseason, by rather continue his otherwise consistent career, the 31-year old had the worst season of his career.

Iwakuma was hindered by shoulder issues during his very brief 2017 campaign. The 36-year old made only six starts in his fifth season with the Mariners, going 0-2 with a 4.35 ERA.

This afternoon the Mariners also claimed utility player Andrew Romine off of waivers from the Tigers, filling up the 35th spot on their 40-man.