The Seattle Mariners and rookie phenom Julio Rodriguez have worked out a deal to keep the outfielder in Seattle for the next 14 years. The 21-year-old has played in 108 games this season with 20 home runs, 23 stolen bases, and an OPS of .799.
"BREAKING: Star rookie Julio Rodriguez and the Seattle Mariners are finalizing a massive long-term contract extension, sources tell ESPN." - Jeff Passan
Julio Rodriguez is signing a 14-year, $210 million deal with incentives to make the deal upward of $400 million. Jesse Sanchez was the first to report the breaking news.
"The structure of Julio Rodriguez's massive extension is very complicated, but the topline details, sources tell ESPN: $210 million guaranteed over 14 years with the abilty to grow well over $400M. Includes player and team options. The great @JesseSanchezMLB was on the deal." - Jeff Passan
Passan further explained the complicated contract in a Twitter thread.
"THREAD: There's a lot to digest on Julio Rodriguez's extension with Seattle, per ESPN sources. The deal could be for 8, 13, 16 or 18 years. It guarantees Rodriguez $210 million. If it maxes out, it will be the largest ever: $470 million. The details are important. Here they are." - Jeff Passan
The base of the contract runs through 2029 and is worth $120 million. After this, Julio Rodriguez could be extended for a potential 18 seasons. The contract would be the largest in the history of Major League Baseball.
"The base of the deal is for eight year and $120 million. It includes this season and runs through 2029. After 2028, the Mariners must decide whether to pick up a club option. The size and length of that depends on Rodriguez's performance in MVP voting." - Jeff Passan
Many fans took to Twitter to react to the breaking news. With an extension that could be up to as many as 18 years, fans are already thinking of him as a Mariners Hall of Famer.
One Seattle Mariners fan could not be happier as their rookie superstar signed with the team long-term.
It is exciting news for both Mariners fans and Rodriguez.
Some fans feel this is an interesting move given that he has not played a full season yet. The Mariners are certainly gambling on his talent and future growth as a player. If he can play as well as or better than he has in his rookie season, then the Mariners are getting a great deal.
Other fans love the contract and how it is flexible for both the team and player based on performance.
The face of the Seattle Mariners franchise looks set as the young superstar has yet to reach his full potential.
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