The Seattle Mariners and All-Star Rookie Outfielder Julio Rodríguez have signed a long-term extension that could be one of the largest contracts in Major League Baseball history. The Mariners announced the deal during Friday night’s game: The initial guarantee is 12 years and $210 million, reports Ken Rosenthal. With the deal starting next season, Rodríguez will sit through the 2034 season, according to the Mariners’ release. From there, Rosenthal mentions a five-year, $90 million player option, meaning Rodríguez can make it to a 17-year, $300 million deal. A guarantee of at least $210 million makes Rodriguez’s extension the largest ever for a player with less than two years of major league service. The current largest total contract in MLB history is the $426.5 million extension Mike Trout signed with the Los Angeles Angels in March 2019. Rodríguez, 21, quickly realized the promise that made him one of the top prospects in all of baseball heading into 2022. In 108 games for Seattle this season, Rodríguez posted a .269/.328/.471 slash line. with 20 home runs and 23 stolen bases. That combination of power and speed recently allowed Rodríguez to become just the 12th rookie to achieve a 20-20 season. He has also so far been rated as a defensive asset at the vital center position. Rodríguez is one of the frontrunners for American League Rookie of the Year honors. Check the opt-in box to confirm you want to join.
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Before his extension was finalized, Rodríguez would have been scheduled for free agency after the 2027 season. Rodríguez originally signed with the Mariners organization in 2017 as an international free agent from the Dominican Republic. He then thrived in the Mariners system and progressed quickly. Before being promoted to Seattle, Rodríguez had a .955 OPS over parts of three seasons despite being much younger than his peer group at every level. Rodríguez this season has been a vital part of a Mariners team that is currently on pace for 88 wins and occupies the last wild card spot in the AL. The Mariners have not made the postseason since 2001, the longest playoff drought in major North American sports.
