Seattle Mariners: Julio Rodriguez gets paid
Stage 3: 2028 – Player Option
Let’s say that the Mariners do not pick up the club option, and Julio exercises the player option instead. The player option is a 5-year contract worth a minimum of $90M, from which the 12-year, $200M+ guaranteed narrative is derived. Rodriguez can also earn some escalators in this option.
- 8 combined Silver Slugger or All-Star selections – 5 years, $100M
- 10 combined Silver Slugger or All-Star selections – 5 years, $110M
- 1 MVP + 2 All-Star selections – 5 years, $125M
If this option is exercised, Julio remains a Mariner until at least 2034.
Stage 4: 2029 – Mutual Option
If the Seattle Mariners or Julio Rodriguez do not pick up the option in 2028, it’s not the end of the world. There’s a mutual option. It’s pretty simple on the face of it at 7 years, $168M, and would have him signed through 2036. Rodriguez would have the option to play 2029 with the Seattle Mariners but showcase himself should Seattle not pick up the club option.
Rodriguez could gamble on himself as well. Should there be a strong showing, then Julio and the Mariners could extend the contract through 2036. There is also a full no-trade clause in the contract. He joins J.P. Crawford and Robbie Ray (first 3 years) as the only Mariners to have no-trade clauses.
What’s next for the M’s?
Let’s also give M’s General Manager Jerry Dipoto, some credit for his creativity in getting this deal done. What does he do next? Sign future aces Logan Gilbert and George Kirby to long-term contracts. Maybe he will sign Mitch Haniger to something that gets him through the later stages of his prime and into his mid-30s. Those are a couple of items on the GM’s plate.
Related Story: Jerry Dipoto’s 10 Best Seattle Mariners Trades
Joe Swenson is an award-winning international playwright. His play, “The Final Out,” A story of baseball and inclusivity, will get an initial performance at the Greenville Playhouse in Greenville, South Carolina, before transitioning to VetRep in New York City.