Mariners Sign Lefty Marco Gonzales to 4-Year Extension
By Michael Luciano
The Seattle Mariners might finally be pivoting away from trading their veterans and will try to build a winner in the post-Felix Hernandez era. The club kickstarted that process by extending its best starter.
Left-hander Marco Gonzales agreed to a four-year, $30 million extension with Seattle that begins in 2021. He will make just $1 million for the 2020 season under his current deal.
Terms of Marco Gonzales’ extension with #Mariners, per source: Four years, $30M, starting in 2021, plus a club option for a fifth season. Buys out one year of free agency with possibility of buying out a second. Gonzales already under contract for 2020 at $1M.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 3, 2020
Gonzales came into the majors with the St. Louis Cardinals, but was traded to Seattle for outfielder Tyler O'Neill. Gonzales has started 70 games over the last two and a half years with Seattle, and his soft sinker has helped him to record a 4.12 ERA in those starts.
Last year, Gonzales pitched over 200 innings, posted a 3.99 ERA, and put up a career-best 3.4 WAR.
He is by no means a frontline ace, but he's as reliable as the day is long and can be a valuable part of the rotation that brings Seattle back to prominence.
Marco Gonzales has signed 30M, 4 year deal with 5th year option. Deal could max out at 45M. @RyanDivish and @Ken_Rosenthal on it #mariners
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 3, 2020
The Mariners have some lean years ahead, but Gonzales is now officially part of the rebuild. That is, unless Jerry Dipoto gets another crazy trade idea and ships him off to the Rays.