Julio Rodriguez, Mariners finalizing massive, long-term contract
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SEATTLE — Since the day he signed as a 16-year-old out of the Dominican Republic, the Mariners have known they have something special in Julio Rodriguez.
And as he grew from potential-filled prospect, to baseball phenom, to everyday center fielder and now the face of their franchise, the idea of him wearing any other uniform but theirs six years from now wasn’t an option.
Now they are making sure he remains a Mariner for years to come by giving him a massive, long-term contract extension.
Major League Baseball sources confirmed an initial report by MLB.com’s Jesse Sanchez that the Mariners and Julio Rodriguez are close to finalizing a long-term extension with more than $200 million in guaranteed money that could reach $450 million with bonuses and incentives.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported the deal is for 14 years and includes player and team options. The structure of the deal is one of the most unique in baseball history.
Per Passan, the base frame of the contract is eight years and $120 million and includes this season and runs through 2029. But after the 2028 season, the Mariners must make a decision on a club option, which is based on Rodriguez’s performance in MVP voting, determining the length and salary of the option.
That option is for either eight or 10 years added to the original deal with a range anywhere from $200-$350 million. If the Mariners pick up the option, Rodriguez’s guarantee in the deal is at least $320 million.
If the Mariners decline the club option after Year 7, Rodriguez then is granted a player option after Year 8 for five years and $90 million. That’s why he is technically guaranteed $210 million. If Rodriguez were to decline the option, he would be a free agent at age 29.
As a 21-year-old rookie, Rodriguez has been the Mariners’ best player this season. In 108 games he has a .269/.328/.471 slash line with 19 doubles, three triples, 20 homers, 64 RBIs, 64 runs scored and 23 stolen bases. Per Baseball Reference, he has 4.3 wins above replacement, which is highest on the team.
Rodriguez is the leading candidate for the American League Rookie of the Year award and was the Mariners’ initial selection for the 2022 All-Star Game.