Mariners sign Julio Rodriguez to long-term extension
The Seattle Mariners signed All-Star outfielder Julio Rodriguez to a multi-year contract extension Friday, with the club committing to the rookie for 12 years.
The deal is a seven-year extension covering the 2023-29 seasons. The Mariners have club options, which could extend the contract through the 2039 campaign.
Rodriguez also has a five-year player option, which provides him with guarantees through the 2034 season.
"Julio is among the most exciting players in the game and has only scratched the surface of what's to come," Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto said.
"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 years to come."
Rodriguez's deal is expected to guarantee him $210 million over 12 years, a source told The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal.
Rodriguez will reportedly receive a $15-million signing bonus and has a player option for a five-year, $90-million extension following Year 8 of the deal if the Mariners don't pick up the club option.
Rodriguez's new contract includes a full no-trade clause, a source told Rosenthal.
"This is a great day for my family and me," Rodriguez said, "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."
The 21-year-old has put together a terrific rookie season and is a front-runner to take home AL Rookie of the Year honors. Rodriguez owns a .799 OPS with 20 home runs, 64 RBIs, and 23 stolen bases across 108 games.
The young slugger has been one of the big catalysts in Seattle's success. He became just the sixth player in club history to reach the 20-20 club with 20-plus homers and 20-plus stolen bases in a season earlier this week.
The Mariners entered play Friday in the third wild-card spot in the American League with a 68-57 record as they look to snap the longest postseason drought in baseball. Seattle last qualified for the playoffs in 2001.