Mariners sellers? Think again as team close to extending Jean Segura

A baseball source confirms that the Mariners are in talks with shortstop Jean Segura on a contract extension, as Jon Morosi of Fox Sports first reported.

Segura, who has one year of arbitration remaining, will earn $6.2 million in 2017. Reports out of the Dominican Republic have the deal at five years, $70 million, although there is no confirmation from either side on those numbers.

The Mariners have intended for some time to attempt to extend Segura, who was acquired along with Mitch Haniger and Zac Curtis in a trade with the Diamondbacks for Taijuan Walker and Ketel Marte last November. General manager Jerry Dipoto has viewed him as a core player from the get-go, and with a free-agent crop that is thin at the position the next two years – and no heir apparent in the farm system – this signing would fill a major need going forward.

The move would also indicate, as Dipoto himself has said, that there is not a dismantle and rebuild on the horizon, regardless of current record or what could happen in the coming month. With an outfield in place, they can add certainty to the infield, then turn the attention to the pitching.

Segura, who has hit .341/.391/.462 as a Mariner, is currently on the 10-day disabled list with a high ankle sprain. There was encouraging news on that front as well Tuesday with Segura out of a protective boot and able to walk. Manager Scott Servais said he is optimistic Segura will not miss as much time as originally thought.