Mariners signal SS Crawford to five-year contract

Seattle JP Crawford Shortstop has signed JP Crawford to a brand new five-year contract, connecting a significant member of the rookie Mariners to the group throughout his early years,

Sources acquainted with the deal advised ESPN that the whole worth of the contract is $51 million.

“I like Seattle,” Crawford mentioned earlier than the Mariners’ season opener towards the Minnesota Twins. “I’ve beloved it since I first wore this shirt.” “I’ve actually needed to remain right here ever since. So I am actually pleased with this chance.”

Crawford, 27, has emerged as one among baseball’s finest defensive stopping factors and a center-of-the-point fixture for the Mariners, who narrowly missed the postseason final yr and anticipate competing within the MLS for the foreseeable future.

He may flip down the batting standings this season after Seattle acquired Adam Frazier within the low season. Crawford was hitting eighth within the opening recreation towards Minnesota.

Since buying him in 2019 from the Philadelphia Phillies, storming Crawford as a extremely probably candidate, Seattle has seen him as their stopping level for the longer term. The dedication within the deal, which runs via 2026, speaks volumes for that.

“GP gives glorious protection in a vital place, in addition to sturdy base expertise and a penchant for supply on the large second,” Jerry DePoto, Mariners chief of baseball operations, mentioned in an announcement. “He’s an extremely aggressive participant who has grow to be an integral a part of our crew, each on the sector and on the membership.”

The Mariners purchased two years of free company with the contract, which this yr pays Crawford $5 million — barely greater than the $4.85 million he was beforehand attributable to give — and embody a $5 million signing bonus, sources mentioned. Crawford is due $10 million yearly from 2023 to 2025 earlier than receiving $11 million within the last season of the deal.

Even earlier than contract talks started, Crawford obtained reassurances from Dipoto and the entrance workplace about being of their future plans as a result of the crew brief after Seattle opted to not pursue any of the highest free brokers within the place within the low season.

“It says lots about confidence, and I wish to suppose you belief me,” Crawford mentioned. “That is my crew. It is everlasting now, and I am prepared to steer these guys.”

Crawford mentioned he was at his lowest level in his profession in direction of the top of his time in Philadelphia. After arriving in Seattle, he obtained useful steerage from veteran D-String-Gordon to assist start his transformation.

“He took me below his wing and confirmed me tips on how to love baseball once more,” Crawford mentioned. “He confirmed me the fervour for it once more, and it simply taught me tips on how to have enjoyable once more.”

With restricted long-term offers on the books, the Mariners have nice monetary flexibility as they give the impression of being to construct in 2023. They’ll begin the season with Julio Rodriguez, among the many recreation’s most potential gamers, on their opening roster; Mixed with AL Cy Younger winner Robbie Ray, champ Jesse Winker, plus a season-long sturdy right-handed Logan Gilbert, the Mariners have made the Mariners a contemporary and succesful option to win their first World Championship.

Crawford helped make the turnaround in 2023, hitting .273/ .338/ .376 with an additional 46 base strokes and enjoying superior protection a yr after successful a Golden Glove. Whereas his attacking hit charge has skyrocketed up to now yr, his eager eye on the board and robust batting expertise make up for a relative lack of energy.

With Rodriguez, Winker, Jared Kielnik, Mitch Hanegger, Ty France and others, sailors do not essentially have to depend on Crawford’s racket. However an attacking enhance is feasible, with 9 runs at Crawford final season representing a profession excessive.

The Related Press contributed to this report.