With relievers Fernando Rodney, Carson Smith and Tom Wilhelmsen on different rosters for the 2016 season, Dipoto acquired Joaquin Benoit from the Padres to slide into the set-up role with Cishek taking over the closer spot.
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The $5 million AAV is less than what Cishek made in 2015 ($6.65 million) but the contract does include incentives that could bring the contract to a total of $17 million if he can remain on the club’s closer.
Cishek was a stellar closer for the Marlins from 2010-14, recording 91 saves with a 2.65 ERA. However, he got off to a rough start this past season, sporting an ugly 9.82 ERA to begin the year before being traded to the Cardinals. He regained his old form, posting a 2.31 ERA in 23 1/3 innings in St. Louis as a middle reliever.
Dipoto is wheeling and dealing since becoming Seattle’s general manager. He has been on the job for just over two months but has already made nine trades and has signed outfielder Nori Aoki in addition to Cishek.
