Mariners sign Marco Gonzales to 4-year contract extension
The Seattle Mariners announced Monday afternoon they have signed pitcher Marco Gonzales to a four-year contract extension that will keep him in the organization through at least the 2024 season.
“This is truly an exciting day for me and my family,” Gonzales said in a release. “We consider the city of Seattle our home, and to be welcomed by the Mariners organization and the fans with such open arms, and now this contract, is a dream come true.
“This organization has a vision for winning a championship, and I am honored to be a part of their plans. This will only further motivate me and the passion that I have to compete and win. I do not take their commitment to me lightly, and I will always represent this team and this city with honor and pride.”
The $30 million extension begins in 2021, and includes a club option for 2025. Gonzales, Seattle’s Opening Day starter in 2019, was already under contract for the upcoming season at $1 million.
“Since joining the Mariners, Marco has been a model of consistency, quietly ranking among the most productive starting pitchers in the AL,” Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto said in a release. “His presence, competitiveness, preparation and leadership make him a key part of our future.”
Gonzales, who will turn 28 the first week of spring training, is already one of the more experienced players on a Mariners roster heading into his sixth season in the majors, and will be leaned on again to produce at the front end of Seattle’s rotation.
He was a steadying presence in an otherwise shaky group in 2019, posting career highs in wins (16), starts (34), innings (203) and strikeouts (147), and will have a similar role in 2020 as the Mariners audition some new faces to the organization and more of their young up-and-comers.
“He’s doing everything you’d want him to do when he takes the ball,” Mariners manager Scott Servais said at Seattle’s pre-spring training media luncheon last month. “But, even sometimes more important with this group, on the four other days when he’s not on the mound, he’s doing the right thing.
“Marco understands where we’re at. He’s been reaching out to the guys. He knows there’s going to be a young staff, and he’s ready to lead it.”
Gonzales, a Gonzaga product and former first-round draft pick, came to Seattle from the Cardinals in 2017 in exchange for outfield prospect Tyler O’Neill. In his three seasons with the Mariners, Gonzales has a 30-23 record and 4.12 ERA across 70 starts.
This story was originally published February 3, 2020 at 2:38 PM.
