Seattle Mariners, Julio Rodriguez finalizing long-term extension that could max out at $470 million, sources confirm

Star rookie Julio Rodriguez and the Seattle Mariners are finalizing a massive long-term extension that guarantees the 21-year-old outfielder $210 million and could max out at $470 million, which would be the richest deal in American sports history, sources told ESPN on Friday.

The deal, which is expected to be announced soon, offers a number of iterations, sources said. The base deal is for $120 million and lasts through the 2029 season. Following the 2028 season, the Mariners can exercise an option for an additional eight years or 10 years, depending on where Rodriguez finishes in MVP voting in the preceding years.

If the Mariners turn down the option, Rodriguez can exercise a five-year, $90 million player option after the 2029 season or hit free agency just shy of his 30th birthday.

The Mariners' option is where the potential money can grow into a historically large figure. If Rodriguez maxes out his MVP escalators, Seattle's option would be for 10 years and $350 million, taking the total value of the deal to $470 million through 2039. The lowest-level would be for eight years and $200 million and would keep Rodriguez tied to the Mariners through 2037.

Rodriguez, a powerful and fast center fielder, became one of the most exciting players in baseball when he made the Mariners' Opening Day roster. His dynamic skills and big personality endeared him to a Seattle community that hasn't seen the Mariners make a postseason in two decades. Seattle currently holds the third wild-card spot in the American League.

With an All-Star Game selection, an epic Home Run Derby performance and a .269/.328/.471 line with 20 home runs and 23 stolen bases, Rodriguez has made perhaps an even bigger impact than anticipated.