Photo courtesy of Dean Rutz | The Seattle Times
Seattle Mariners breakout sensation Julio Rodríguez will be in the Emerald City for years to come as the team announced a long-term contract extension with the All-Star outfielder Friday.
The basis of the extension is for seven years and $105 million that will kick in next season but could be extended for 12 years with further options that could push the deal to 2039.
“This is a great day for my family and me,” Rodriguez said in a statement. “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 [Dipoto, president of baseball operations]. I am so happy to be here.”
‘J-Rod’ put on a show in the Home Run Derby back in July, tallying 81 bombs before falling short to San Diego Padres outfielder Juan Soto in the final.
In 463 plate appearances this season, Rodriguez is batting .267 with 20 HRs and 64 Runs Batted In with 23 stolen bases. He’s also slugging .467 with an OPS of .793.
Rodriguez has been at the forefront of Seattle’s push to the postseason as they look to break the longest postseason drought among the ‘Big Four’ of sports leagues in the United States (20 seasons).
“Julio is among the most exciting players in the game and has only scratched the surface of what’s to come,” Dipoto said in a statement. “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 many years to come.”
