Mariners React to Felix Hernandez News on Monday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Hugh Green | Last updated Nov 17, 2025 1:13 PM ET

Legendary Seattle Mariners right-handed pitcher Felix Hernandez had an incredible career in Major League Baseball. He spent 15 years in the league, all with the Mariners organization. He had a record of 169-136 in 419 career appearances with a 3.42 ERA. He also struck out 2,524 batters with 805 walks.

Hernandez won two ERA titles, was selected to six All-Star teams and claimed the Cy Young Award in 2010.

The 39-year-old last played in a major-league game in 2019 before sitting out the 2020 season and signing with the Baltimore Orioles for 2021. After he didn't make the MLB roster, Hernandez officially retired in March of that year.

Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Felix Hernandez (34) pitches against the Chicago Cubs.© Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Hernandez was put on the National Baseball Hall of Fame ballot for the first time in 2025. He received 20.6% of the votes, well below the threshold of 75% required to be inducted into Cooperstown.

On Monday, the Baseball Writers' Association of America released the 2026 Hall of Fame ballot, and Hernandez's name appeared again.

The Mariners posted about this announcement on the team's public relations X account.

"Félix Hernández appears on the National Baseball Hall of Fame ballot for the second time in 2026. In his first year of eligibility, he earned a promising 20.6% of the votes. #FélixHOF," the caption read.

Félix Hernández appears on the National Baseball Hall of Fame ballot for the second time in 2026.

In his first year of eligibility, he earned a promising 20.6% of the votes. #FélixHOF https://t.co/ogDBEU4yGY pic.twitter.com/BHBpRbraEm
— Mariners PR (@MarinersPR) November 17, 2025

This will be the second year Hernandez's name appears on the ballot of a potential 10. If Hernandez does not get inducted as part of the 2026 class, he will have eight more chances to earn the required 75% of votes as long as he receives at least 5% of the vote each year.

With the illustrious career he had, the chances of "King Felix" making it to Cooperstown are high.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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