Mariners' Julio Rodriguez on contract extension: 'I couldn't be happier to call Seattle home for a long time'
After a remarkable rookie campaign, outfielder Julio Rodriguez and the Seattle Mariners agreed to a contract extension on Friday, keeping the 21-year-old star in the Emerald City well into his 30s.
On Saturday, Rodriguez met with the media for the first time since agreeing to a 14-year extension that will pay him $210 million guaranteed.
Rodriguez said he loved being in Seattle and was happy to be a Mariner for "as long as I can."
Loyalty was the theme of Rodriguez's presser, stating it was a big reason why he was willing to commit to the Mariners for so long.
"They're always showing their loyalty to me," Rodriguez told MLB.com's Daniel Kramer. "They're always showing me that they care about me. And I really appreciate that. As somebody that my dad told me that at a young age, I should appreciate and be grateful to the people that helped you to get to where you are right now, I feel that's what the Mariners showed to me and that's why I want to be here."
For the Mariners, locking up Rodriguez long-term was a no-brainer. But, strategically, the Mariners believed it was the right time.
Jerry Dipoto, president of baseball operations, said if the Mariners hadn't struck now, that would've shown Rodriguez disrespect. And, if they'd waited longer, a deal would've been more challenging to pull off.
"And then the next thing you know, he's a 26-year-old free agent and we're all watching," Dipoto said.
After appearing in the Home Run Derby and the All-Star Game, Rodriguez added to his accomplishments earlier this week, becoming the fastest American League player to join the 20-20 club.
Rodriguez has 20 home runs, 64 RBI, and 23 stolen bases while slashing .267/.326/.467 in 109 games for the Mariners this season.
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