Mariners Lock Up Stars with Mega Deals

0:00On April 7th, right after Colt Emerson inked his 8-year, $95 million extension last week, Mariners President Jerry DePoto made it. Clear, they want to lock up more young stars. He talked about talks with players during spring training as part of their plan to draft, develop, and keep talent in Seattle for the long haul. Since coming out of their rebuild in 2021, the team has handed out deals to guys like Luis Castillo for 5 years and 108. Million dollars, JP Crawford for 5 years and 51 million, Cal Raleigh for 6 years and 105 million, and Julio Rodriguez for 12 years and 210 million. Andres Munoz got 4 years and 7.5 million with options and Victor Robles signed for 2 years and 9.75 million. Fans and players are buzzing because these moves keep the core together without waiting for free agency where prices skyrocket. DePoto stressed, fair deals that don't leave anyone feeling short-changed,

1:01and the Clubhouse vibe shows most guys want to stay Mariners for years. Emerson's contract ramps up smartly, with 20 million over the first 3 years and 75 million over the last 5, keeping average costs. Below what's hop-shore stops fetch on the open market. It joins Raleigh, Rodriguez, and Josh Naylor as centerpieces through at least 2030. Payroll hit around 160 million on opening day. Up from last year, with more room at the deadline and beyond. As guys like Randy Erozerina come off the books next year, expect the front office to shift funds toward even more extensions, building a contender. That lasts. That's your update from MLB News Today, powered by AI. I'm Corey with the story.