With the news that both Matt Cain and Joey Votto are signing huge contract extensions that should keep them with the Giants and Reds for at least the majority of their careers, it got me thinking to when the Mariners might have to do something similar with a star player.
Then I remembered: Mariners.
One of the frustrations of having a young team is seeing the growing pains as under-25’s adjust to life in the majors, but one of the joys of having a young team is feeling safe by the “six years of club control” rule that keeps the best of them from signing with the Yankees just as they’re getting good.
Still, here are a few reminders on Mariners contract situations:
Felix Hernandez is signed for three more years, including 2012. That will make him a free agent after 2014 but if he is really going to top out at 90 MPH for the rest of his career (joke) then we can extend him in two years for pennies on the dollar!
Ichiro is in the final year of a 5-year, $90 million contract.
Chone Figgins will no longer be the Mariners problem after 2013.
Franklin Gutierrez is owed $12.5 million over the next two seasons with a $7.5 million team option for 2014 with incentives for looking gorgeous. (And plate appearances.)
Brandon League is a free agent after this season, which could make him a prime trade candidate if he is having a great season as closer.
Jason Vargas is actually the closest thing to a Mariner that could be looking for an extension, but he is not a free agent until 2013 and he won’t be nearly as expensive as Matt Cain unless he’s been saving all of his “number one starter” stuff until now.
The M’s actually have very little money committed the team past next year, besides arbitration bucks to all of their young players, which could get them active on the free agent market next year. Or not, depending on whether or not the players want to play here, but who wouldn’t want to play with Felix? He seems like so much fun.
For more Mariners new, frequent Lookout Landing while you’re at work.