The Mariners have reportedly tried to start contract talks with Felix Hernandez but there are no serious talks taking place at the moment, sources familiar with the situation tell Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com. Furthermore, if Seattle is in fact interested in a four-year extension, that's not likely to kick-start talks with the star hurler as Heyman hears he seeks a six-year deal instead.
As it stands, Hernandez is under contract with the M's for $39.5MM through the 2014 season. However, there hasn't been an exchange of offers on a new deal yet or any traction to speak of, sources with knowledge of the situation tell Heyman.
The 26-year-old knows that he has a chance become the highest-paid pitcher in the game when his current contract runs out. If he were to agree to a $100MM, four-year extension now, he'd be guaranteed fewer guaranteed dollars than Cole Hamels and Zack Greinke over the next six years. Those elite pitchers signed contracts at that length for $144MM and $147MM, respectively.
