Braves starting pitcher Felix Hernandez warms up before a spring training game against the Rays on March 3 in Venice, Florida. (Associated Press)

Braves starting pitcher Felix Hernandez warms up before a spring training game against the Rays on March 3 in Venice, Florida. (Associated Press)

Felix Hernandez aims for 200 career wins and 3,000 strikeouts

But the COVID-19 pandemic is getting in the way of the former Mariner’s pitcher’s goals.

  • By Gabriel Burns The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
  • Monday, May 25, 2020 11:42am
  • SportsPro sports

By Gabriel Burns / The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

ATLANTA —Felix Hernandez is aspiring to play a few more seasons, if his recent comments are any indication.

In an interview with “The Bob, Dave and Moore Show” on 710 ESPN Seattle, Hernandez laid out his late-career hopes: 200 wins and 3,000 strikeouts.

“I’m going to go year-by-year,” Hernandez said last week. “Because my goal is to get to 200 wins and to get to 3,000 strikeouts. If I can get to that goal, I’m going to hang my spikes. I’m done.”

The station was celebrating “Felix Week,” reliving his best games as one of the all-time great Seattle Mariners. Since his debut at age 19 in 2005, the now 34-year-old has assembled a borderline Hall of Fame resume.

He spent 15 years with the Mariners, earning six All-Star nods and six top-8 Cy Young finishes. He won the award in 2010 after posting a 2.27 ERA with 232 strikeouts across 249.2 innings.

Despite Hernandez’s illustrious prime, Seattle never made the postseason in his time there. He slowed down in recent years, largely because of injury, prompting the sides to part. Hernandez signed a non-guaranteed deal with the Atlanta Braves this winter, hoping he finally would experience postseason play.

Hernandez appeared to have made the club with an encouraging spring training, but the COVID-19 crisis ceased baseball for the foreseeable future. Hernandez finished spring with a 1.98 ERA and 14 strikeouts in 13.2 innings (four outings).

The season’s delay spoiled what seemed to be a successful first step of his career’s next phase. Hernandez, who showed impressive stuff despite a velocity dropoff, insisted a string of injuries was to blame for his decline.

Hernandez continuously said he thought he would win one of the Braves’ rotation openings throughout spring training. He’s since been at his home in Miami, working out in anticipation of a season.

“It was different, but it was a challenge I took and I really, really liked it,” Hernandez said, recalling spring training in a Braves uniform. “I’ve still got it. I’m really, really confident (laughs). I was in really good shape and I’m healthy.”

It will be challenging for Hernandez to reach his desired milestones. He currently has 169 wins and falls 476 strikeouts short of 3,000. He’d need to play multiple seasons to reach those numbers, a task that grows more difficult with a shortened or canceled campaign.

His win total is tied with Clayton Kershaw for the fifth-most among active pitchers. The only two active players with more than 200 wins are Justin Verlander and Zack Greinke, with Jon Lester at 190. Hernandez is fifth among active pitchers in strikeouts, with Verlander the only current player to exceed 3,000.

First things first: There needs to be a 2020 season. Hernandez would presumably make the Braves’ expanded roster, though that’s not a lock. He’d then need to show he can still be productive and worth another contract, be it from the Braves or someone else, next season.

Hernandez’s comeback story was interrupted by powers out of his control. Whenever baseball resumes, it’ll be on him to overcome another obstacle to continue his playing career — and possibly reach his lofty milestones.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

AquaSox pitcher Jurrangelo Cijntje follows through on a pitch during Everett's 3-0 loss to the Vancouver Canadians at Funko Field on July 5, 2025. (Joe Pohoryles / The Herald)
AquaSox blanked by Vancouver as losing skid continues

Everett generates just three hits in 3-0 loss to the Canadians on Saturday.

AquaSox infielder Charlie Pagliarini starts to swing at a pitch that he would launch for a two-run home run in Everett's 9-2 loss to the Vancouver Canadians at Funko Field on July 4, 2025. (Joe Pohoryles / The Herald)
AquaSox lack spark in Independence Day loss to Vancouver

Everett draws eight walks, but has just two hits in 9-2 loss to the Canadians.

Storm uses third-quarter thunderbolt to down Liberty

Rookie Dominique Malonga scored 11 and took over in the third quarter for Seattle.

Kimberly Beard, a rising senior at King's, stands next to the results board after winning the girls hammer throw at the Nike Outdoor National Track & Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon on June 22, 2025. (Photo courtesy Donna Beard)
Beard, Tupua shine at Nike Outdoor Nationals

The rising seniors make their mark on a national stage amidst a busy summer schedule.

Everett AquaSox shortstop Colt Emerson catches the ball at second base for the first out in a double play during the Opening Day game against the Hillsboro Hops on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Emerson’s preparation finally paying off in Everett

The AquaSox shortstop is coming off his best month in High-A. Here’s how it came together:

The Seattle Mariners' Julio Rodríguez, right, claps after stealing second base during the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at T-Mobile Park on Thursday, July 3, 2025, in Seattle. (Alika Jenner / Getty Images / Tribune News Services)
Witt Jr. and Mariners’ bullpen both slide, KC wins series

The Kansas City Royals found a way against the Seattle Mariners on… Continue reading

Seattle Storm guard Skylar Diggins (4) tries to drive past Dallas Wings guard JJ Quinerly (11) during the first half of a WNBA basketball game at College Park Center on Monday, May 19, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (Photo courtesy of the Seattle Storm)
Storm survive Dream on Diggins game-winner

Nneka Ogwumike and Erica Wheeler combined for 45 points in the 80-79 win.

Julius Miettinen listens to a coach during Kraken Development Camp on-ice session for forwards on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Pair of Silvertips check status at Kraken Development Camp

Julius Miettinen hopes to take strides back in Everett, while Kaden Hammell turns pro.

Randy Arozarena of the Seattle Mariners celebrates with the team trident after hitting a solo home run during the sixth inning against the Kansas City Royals at T-Mobile Park on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in Seattle. (Alika Jenner / Getty Images / Tribune News Services)
Mariners overcome Perez to beat Royals

The Kansas City Royals found themselves in another close encounter against the… Continue reading

Cal Raleigh (29) of the Seattle Mariners bats during the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at T-Mobile Park on Monday, June 30, 2025, in Seattle. (Alika Jenner / Getty Images / Tribune News Services)
Cal Raleigh named AL Player of the Week

Major League Baseball announced today that catcher Cal Raleigh has… Continue reading

Moore: Ranking the all-time best Seattle sports radio shows

Sports radio shows in Seattle started in the 1970’s, typically at night,… Continue reading

Storm three games over .500 near the halfway point

Star forward Nneka Ogwumike was voted an All-Star starter Monday.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.