Mariners star Julio Rodriguez agrees to potentially record-breaking contract

Julio Rodriguez and the Seattle Mariners are set on a long-term relationship in the Pacific Northwest, agreeing to a 12-year, $209.3-million US contract starting next season that would be worth $469.6 million over 17 years if he wins two MVP awards.

The deal announced Friday for the 21-year-old All-Star outfielder includes seven seasons. a five-year player option, an eight-year club option with award escalators and the possibility the option could extend to 10 years.

If the club option is exercised, the deal would be worth $309.3 million for 12 years. If Rodriguez earns two MVP awards by 2028 or finishes among the top five in voting four times, the deal would boost to $469.6 million, including post-season award bonuses.

If Seattle turns down a one-time team option for 2030-37, which must be exercised after the 2028 World Series, there is a mutual option that could be exercised after the 2029 Series calling for $168 million from 2030-36. There also is a player option that guarantees $90 million from 2030-34.

"Julio is among the most exciting players in the game and has only scratched the surface of what's to come," Seattle president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto said in a statement.

"We feel the uniqueness of this deal befits the person. His infectious personality and ability on the field are only surpassed by his character away from it. We are thrilled that generations of Mariners fans will have the privilege of watching him play in T-Mobile Park for many years to come."

"He's learned a lot over the last 4 1/2, five months about Major League Baseball and things he needed to work on and continue to improve upon," Seattle manager Scott Servais said Friday. "Really good teammate. I mean, you can go on and on