On Friday of last week, the Seattle Mariners and their rookie sensation Julio Rodriguez agreed upon a massive contract extension that could end up being worth 14 years and over $400 million, depending on whether or not Rodriguez chooses to opt out at any point.
It could end up being the largest contract extension in sports history.
When asked about the timing of the contract extension, Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto had an interesting response, talking about the importance of getting a deal of this kind done rather quickly and highlighting the risk of waiting too long to actually try to negotiate something.
This is a real interesting quote from Dipoto (about process with Rodríguez's deal) when viewed in the context of Soto, and what is evolving into a new norm:
(quote from Larry Stone's column on the deal): pic.twitter.com/olAXY3JcIf
— Todd Dybas (@Todd_Dybas) August 29, 2022
Dipoto Sounds Off On The J-Rod Extension
This is an interesting response.
Dipoto has been known for making large deals in the past, having signed Albert Pujols and C.J. Wilson while he was general manager of the Los Angeles Angels.
Dipoto here seems to believe that if a deal isn’t negotiated rather quickly, then that’s a sign of disrespect from the front office.
Rodriguez clearly has incredible talent and Dipoto made it clear that he valued the relationship that Rodriguez and the Mariners’ front office have forged over the past several years.
Rodriguez signed with the Mariners at the age of 16.
If you have that type of a relationship with a player for that long, it’s important to approach them with a solid offer, especially if you want to keep them long term.
From Dipoto’s point of view, it’s easier to do it sooner rather than later so you don’t run the risk of losing them in free agency and being unable to match another team’s offer.
Dipoto clearly felt that now was the time to extend Rodriguez, who looks set to stay in Seattle for years to come.
NEXT: Julio Rodriguez Made Sure To Honor A Mariners Legend