Mariners ink Robles to 2-year extension reportedly worth $9.75M
The Seattle Mariners locked up one of their breakout players on Monday, signing outfielder Victor Robles to a two-year extension that also includes a club option for 2027.
Robles' contract is worth $9.75 million in guaranteed money, while the option would be worth $9 million if exercised, a source told ESPN's Jorge Castillo. The deal also includes another $2 million in performance bonuses and escalator clauses, Castillo reports.
The incentives to Victor Robles’ deal, per multiple sources:
— Daniel Kramer (@DKramer_) August 12, 2024
• $500,000 for 500 plate appearances
• $ An additional $500,000 for 600 plate appearances
• That’s for both 2025 and 2026
There’s also a $1.25M signing bonus that’s included in the two-year, $9.75M base agreement.
Robles was scheduled to become a free agent at season's end before agreeing to the extension.
"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," Mariners general manager Justin Hollander said in a statement. "We are thrilled to have him in the organization for at least two more years."
Robles joined the Mariners in June after being released by the Washington Nationals amid a steep decline on both sides of the ball. The move west gave him new life: Over 42 games in Seattle, the 27-year-old has hit .303/.372/.450 with three homers, eight RBIs, and 12 stolen bases. His .821 OPS in a Mariners uniform is his best mark in any season since 2018 when he played just 21 games for the Nats.
Robles' glove, long considered his best skill, has also rebounded with the Mariners. Since joining Seattle, he's collected three defensive runs saved - one at each outfield position - over 269 innings in the outfield. Though he's primarily played center field in the majors, Robles has suited up at all three outfield spots with the Mariners and capably covered center over the last three weeks while Julio Rodríguez was injured.
Once a top prospect for the Nationals, Robles is a lifetime .240/.315/.362 hitter with 34 homers and 164 RBIs across parts of eight big-league seasons. He was the starting center fielder on the Nats' World Series-winning club in 2019 as a rookie.
The Mariners enter Monday with a 63-56 record that has them in a virtual tie with the Houston Astros for the AL West lead.