Mariners sign Victor Robles to 2-year extension

In a somewhat surprising move, the Mariners have signed Victor Robles to a two-year extension with a club option for the 2027 season.

Víctor Robles won’t be going anywhere else, anytime soon. As confirmed by the Seattle Mariners on social media, they have signed the outfielder to a two-year extension.

While the Mariners didn’t confirm financial terms themselves, it has been reported that the two-year deal is for $9.75 million and includes a $1.25 million signing bonus. On the subject of bonuses, Robles has the potential to earn up to another $2 million over the term of the deal if he meets certain incentives.

The deal also includes a club option for the 2027 season, worth another $9 million. While some will question the amount the 27-year-old is going to be paid over the next two years, it speaks to how much the Mariners think of him.

An excellent addition from the word go

When Robles first arrived in Seattle on June 4, no one could have expected him to become as productive as he has done. He had produced a .120/.281/.120 slash line and .401 OPS in 14 games for the Washington Nationals this year, prior to being released on June 1.

During his time with the Mariners however, the Dominican Republic native has been tremendous. He’s proven to be one of the stronger bats in a lineup, which has collectively underperformed throughout much of the 2024 regular season.

In 42 games, Robles has hit .303/.372/.450 with a .821 OPS. Now compare this to his Major League career averages of .240/.315/.362 and .677, with his batting average in Seattle in particular being the best stretch of his eight years in the Majors.

The right-handed bat’s 1.4 WAR on the Mariners since he arrived is the second-best among all players, behind only Cal Raleigh. He’s also already third on the team with 12 steals despite playing less than half the games of the two players above him (Dylan Moore and Julio Rodríguez), hence providing another invaluable threat once on base.

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Also a success in the Mariners outfield

As if all this isn’t enough, Robles has also been excellent in center field, filling in for Rodríguez during his injury. In fact Robles has proven to be so good, there’s even been some suggestion J-Rod should shift over to right field once he’s fully healthy. (We can’t see this being the case, but you never know.)

Mariners Executive Vice President and General Manager of Baseball Operations Justin Hollander shared his thoughts on the extension, via a press release. He said:

“Since joining the Mariners, Victor has been a dynamic presence on the field and a great fit in our clubhouse. He has showcased the ability to impact the game in all phases. We are thrilled to have him in the organization for at least two more years.”

One final interesting note to add is that Robles has experience of winning a World Series, in 2019 with the Nationals. This doubles as the year he played 155 games, stole 28 bases and hit 17 homers along with 65 RBI, which are — to date — all personal career highs.

N.B. All statistics courtesy of Baseball Reference

What is your opinion on the Robles extension? Do you think it’s a good move or a hasty decision by the Mariners? Let us know in the comments section below.