MLB: Julio Rodriguez signs a 12-year contract and could earn more than $400 million

SEATTLE – Julio Rodriguez and the Seattle Mariners are ready for a long-term relationship.

The Mariners signed the rookie outfielder to a 12-year, $209.3 million contract. However, Rodriguez could earn as much as $469.6 million over the next 17 seasons if he wins MVP twice.

Rodriguez, who is 21, has agreed to a seven-year contract, plus five option years at the discretion of the player and an eight year option at the discretion of the club, as well as a value linked to individual honors and the possibility of being extended up to 10 years by other options.

« Julio is one of the best young players in our sport and he’s only just beginning to show the extent of his potential, » Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto said in a statement.

“We believe that the uniqueness of the contract fits well with the person. He has an infectious personality and his skills on the pitch are even more spectacular, he added. We’re glad to know that generations of Mariners fans will have the privilege of watching him play at T-Mobile Park for years to come. »

Rodriguez’s contract is the 26th in Major League Baseball history to exceed $200 million. Rodriguez will receive a signing bonus of $15.3 million and a salary of $4 million next season. His salary will then increase to $10 million, then to $18 million from 2025 to 2029. The contract comes with a full no-trade clause.

His salary this season, as a rookie, was $700,000 – minimum wage.

Rodriguez became a star in his first season with the Mariners. He is batting .267 with 20 home runs, 64 RBIs and 23 stolen bases.

He’s the top contender for the American League’s Most Outstanding Rookie Award and has helped the Mariners stay in playoff contention.