Mariners lock up Marco Gonzales through 2024 with 4-year extension
Feb 3, 2020, 3:24 PM | Updated: 3:33 pm
Mariners LHP Marco Gonzales has a four-year extension reportedly worth $30 million. (AP)
(AP)
After the Mariners signed first base prospect Evan White to a six-year contract with the potential to go to nine, general manager Jerry Dipoto expressed the desire to lock up other young players. On Monday afternoon he did just that, signing Marco Gonzales to a four-year deal with a club option for a fifth.
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The base contract, which buys out Gonzales’ arbitration years plus an additional year, is worth $30 million, according to Ken Rosenthal.
“Since joining the Mariners, Marco has been a model of consistency, quietly ranking among the most productive starting pitchers in the AL,” Dipoto said in a press release announcing the deal. “His presence, competitiveness, preparation and leadership make him a key part of our future.”
Bulldog. Competitor. Leader.
The Mariners have signed @MarcoGonzales_ to a 4-year contract extension with a club option in 2025. #TrueToTheBlue
📰 https://t.co/OIuZjtfXg3 pic.twitter.com/B2Oyo0ZDpE
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) February 3, 2020
As Dipoto embarked on the Mariners’ rebuild following the 2018 season, Gonzales was singled out along with Mitch Haniger as players to keep and build around. While young, they would be leaned on for leadership, a role Gonzales embraced despite entering just his second full big league season. He did so while putting up a 3.99 ERA and becoming just one of fifteen pitchers in 2020 to eclipse the 200 innings mark.
On Monday, Gonzales’ performance on and off the field was rewarded with a deal that, barring trade, will keep him with the organization through the 2024 season and possibly 2025 if the option is picked up.
“We consider the city of Seattle our home, and to be welcomed by the Mariner organization and the fans with such open arms, and now this contract, is a dream come true,” Gonzales, a former Gonzaga Bulldogs pitcher, said in the press release. “This organization has a vision for winning a championship, and I am honored to be a part of their plans. This will only further motivate me and the passion that I have to compete and win. I do not take their commitment to me lightly, and I will always represent this team and this city with honor and pride.”
Prior to the deal, Gonzales would have have been a free agent after the 2023 season. He was scheduled to earn $1 million in 2020 and was not arbitration eligible until 2021.
The Gonzales and White deals represent the longest contracts the Mariners currently have going forward with the two being the only signed players after the 2022 season.
A press conference to formally announce the extension will be held Tuesday.
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