The Seattle Mariners agreed to terms with starting pitcher Marco Gonzales, in a deal which is a win for both sides.
Marco Gonzales secured his position as the Seattle Mariners’ top pitcher during the 2019 season. Now he has been rewarded accordingly.
As reported by Greg Johns of MLB.com, the Mariners signed Marco Gonzales to a four-year extension on Monday. The deal locks him up through at least 2024, with a team option for 2025.
Before signing the deal, Gonzales was already under contract to make $1 million this coming season. He would have then been arbitration eligible for the following three years, before becoming a free agent in 2024.
At the time of writing, details of the contract have not been officially confirmed. However, reports indicate the 27-year-old is guaranteed $30 million between 2021-24, with the possibility of another $15 million in 2025.
Certainly, Gonzales is going to be earning significantly more from next year, but it is thoroughly deserved. At a time when the Mariners are continuing to undergo a significant rebuild, he offers them some stability at the top of the rotation.
The 2013 19th overall draft pick was an extremely durable workhouse last year in Seattle. He set personal bests with 34 starts and 203 innings pitched, on the way to a career high 16 wins.
While Gonzales may not wow you with his stuff, he is a cerebral competitor who knows how to keep his opponents off balance. This is helped by an arsenal which includes five pitches that he is equally comfortable utilizing; a 82 mph change-up, 89 mph sinker, 86 mph cutter, 89 mph fastball and 77 mph curve.
Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto is understandably happy with the deal. As reported by Johns, Dipoto said:
“Since joining the Mariners, Marco has been a model of consistency, quietly ranking among the most productive starting pitchers in the AL. His presence, competitiveness, preparation and leadership make him a key part of our future,”
As per Dipoto’s comments, Gonzales has been the M’s most consistent member of the rotation during the past two seasons. This has seen him go 29-22 in 63 starts, posting a 3.99 ERA along with 7.1 strikeouts and just 2.1 walks per nine innings.
The deal helps the Fort Collins, Colorado native take another step towards fulfilling the potential he showed as a youngster. He was chosen as an All-American and named the John Olerud Award winner in 2013, while at Gonzaga University.
The Mariners are probably still at least two years away from their aim of becoming a contender. If everything goes to plan however, Gonzales will help them through the rest of the rebuild and then still be around for the renewed challenge to win a World Series.
What is your take on the contract extension for Gonzales? Do you agree the Seattle Mariners made the right move, or would you have handled it differently? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
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