Mariners Bizarrely Give Double-A First Base Prospect Evan White 6-Year Contract Extension
By Michael Luciano
Seattle Mariners GM Jerry Dipoto must be EXTREMELY sure that first base prospect Evan White is going to be a star in short order, because he just ponied up a massive contract extension before White has even played a game in the major leagues.
White, a 23-year-old who spent last year with the Double-A Arkansas Travelers, reached an agreement on a six-year, $24 million contract.
The Mariners and first-base prospect Evan White are in agreement on a six-year, $24 million contract with three club options, sources familiar with the deal tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 22, 2019
White, 23, spent last season at Double-A. No player at that level ever has received a long-term extension.
What in the Jon Singleton is this?
With three club options, the Mariners could conceivably turn this deal into a $55 million contract that prevents White from hitting free agency until he's 33.
Mariners in agreement with prospect Evan White on six-year, $24 million extension, according to sources. The deal, which has been in the works for weeks, contains three club options. Max value: $55.5 million.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) November 22, 2019
White was ranked as Seattle's fourth-best prospect and No. 58 overall by MLB Pipeline. White also graded as the second-best first base prospect, trailing only budding White Sox star Andrew Vaughn.
White hit .293 with 18 home runs and 55 RBI in 92 games with the Travelers. The Mariners are betting it all on black, hoping that White's power stroke develops and he's able to reach the majors sooner than later.
Evan White, hello. pic.twitter.com/fhTT6P993d
— Colin O'Keefe (@colinokeefe) February 7, 2019
If White doesn't become the long-term answer at first base Seattle has been looking for since the days of Richie Sexson, we'll look forward to Dipoto inevitably trading him to the Rays for a catcher and two pitching prospects in A-ball.