SAN DIEGO, CA – JULY 4: Julio Rodriguez #44 of the Seattle Mariners rolls around the bases after hitting a home run during the fourth round of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres on July 4, 2022 at Petco Park in San Diego, California. (Photo by Dennis Boroy/Getty Images)
Seattle Mariners star Julio Rodriguez has signed a massive contract extension to say at Emerald City, and it could come at a discount.
It’s easy to say the latter fact now, especially considering that Rodriguez is playing well and came second in the Derby Home Run this year. But it’s hard to see AL Rookie’s favorite this year getting worse from now on.
Signing a contract extension in the junior season – while seen as an investment in his abilities – could also limit his potential long-term earnings. But, each one has its own.
We’ve seen similar decades work out for better and worse. Fernando Tates Jr. was signed to 2035, but was just suspended for PED use. Meanwhile, Ronald Acuna Jr. has signed a long-term extension in Atlanta that now looks like an incredible discount compared to his market value.
Rodriguez Cuts .269/ .328/ .471 with .799 OPS and 132 OPS+. He is the first rookie in Mariners history to have a 20/20 season.
Julio Rodriguez Contract Details: Mariners
Rodriguez’s contract is expected to secure him $200 million north, with incentives up to $450 million.
This sounds like a lot, but it’s also plenty of wiggle room for Seattle. If Rodriguez falters, they won’t be blamed for investing in one of the game’s top young talents, and they’ll cash out $200 million in the long run. If Rodriguez succeeds, he will get Juan Soto’s money and remain one of the faces of the game for decades to come.
All in the Emerald City. For too long, players like Rodriguez left Seattle. Now, Mariners’ general manager, Jerry DePoto, gets a chance to keep it.
If it’s slightly overpaid, so be it.
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