Mariners sign Julio Rodriguez to long-term contract extension

While some of the details have not been officially released, Julio Rodriguez’s new deal with the Mariners is one of the more complex ones in the Majors.

The Mariners have frequently described Julio Rodriguez as a generational talent who they want to build their roster around long-term. Now, the organization has put their money where their mouth is.

On Friday, the Mariners confirmed they have agreed a multi-year contract extension with Rodriguez. The new deal is — initially at least — a seven-year extension which covers the 2023–2029 seasons.

Seattle has club options which could extend the deal through the 2039 season. For his part, Rodriguez controls a five-year player option which provide him guarantees through the 2034 season.

It seems the Mariners have learnt from previous mistakes with superstar talent, such as Randy Johnson and Alex Rodriguez. The contract is also one where both sides come out winners.

The deal was announced to the crowd at T-Mobile Park on Friday, in the Mariners’ game versus the Guardians. In a nice touch, the announcement came in the bottom of the sixth as Rodriguez was coming to the plate, leading to a thunderous applause from the 39,870 in attendance.

A lot to break down

Some aspects of the contract extension have not been officially confirmed by the Mariners. However, as per reports from the likes of ESPN‘s Jeff Passan, it’s one of the more complex ones in Major League history.

Initially, the 2022 All-Star will earn $120 million through the 2029 season. This will be made up of a $15 million signing bonus (to be paid up front) and then $105 million, which will be distributed between 2023-29.

The deal will be for at least eight years, but could extend to 13, 16 or 18 seasons. Rodriguez is guaranteed at least $210 million, but can potentially reach as much as $470 million.

Following the 2028 season, Seattle must decide if they want to further extend Rodriguez for another eight or 10 years. The size and value of this long-term club option will be impacted by how he finishes in MVP voting.

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If the Mariners don’t use their multi-year option after 2028, the 21-year-old has a five-year, $90 million player option he can exercise after the following year of the contract. In this scenario, the $90 million will be guaranteed.

In the event Seattle or Rodriguez don’t exercise their respective contact extension options, he will become a free agent after the conclusion of the 2029 season. At the age of 29, he would still theoretically — injuries pending of course — have a long career ahead of him.

Rodriguez was understandably delighted with the deal. He said in a statement:

“This is a great day for my family and me. I have always wanted to spend my whole career here, in Seattle, with this team and with these fans. I want to win here, in Seattle. That was what I told my agents, and what I told Jerry. I am so happy to be here.”

A growing list of achievements

Rodriguez signed with the Mariners as an international free agent in 2017. Since then he has had a meteoric rise through the organization — including skipping Triple-A altogether — to get to the Majors.

While the Dominican Republic native’s debut season began slowly, he soon started to warm up. He already has two AL Rookie of the Month awards and is the favorite to be named AL Rookie of the Year.

Rodriguez became the fastest player in Major League history to reach 15+ home runs and 20+ stolen bases, doing it in just 81 games. He also became the first player in Major League history to reach 15+ home runs, 50+ RBI and 20+ stolen bases in his first 90 career games. 

The accolades have continued to come for the budding superstar, with him becoming just the third Mariner to be named an All-Star at 21 or younger. He also announced his arrival to the nation, with a spectacular display in the Home Run Derby.

Rodriguez is one of just three Major League players this season to rank in the 90th-plus percentile in Statcast’s sprint speed (97th) and hard-hit percentage (94th). For the Mariners specifically, his value is strongly represented by leading the ball club with a 4.3 WAR.

Rodriguez is arguably already the Mariners’ best player. On Wednesday night, he became the first Mariner since 2003 to reach 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases in a season.

Mariners GM speaks

A happy Jerry Dipoto shared his thoughts on the deal. The President of Baseball Operations said in a statement:

“Julio is among the most exciting players in the game and has only scratched the surface of what’s to come. We feel the uniqueness of this deal befits the person. His infectious personality and ability on the field are only surpassed by his character away from it. We are thrilled that generations of Mariners fans will have the privilege of watching him play in T-Mobile Park for many years to come.”

No doubt there will be plenty of critics who disagree with the deal, for whatever reason. However, without the benefit of hindsight, this is a worthwhile gamble the Mariners had to take.

Further, the deal alludes to Seattle’s commitment to remaining contenders for the long-term. After many years of disappointment and frustration, this is a welcome sign for the beleaguered fan base.

What’s your take on the contract extension for Rodriguez and the details surrounding it? Do you like the deal or not, and why? Let us know in the comments section below.