The Seattle Mariners announced on Monday that they have signed left-handed starting pitcher Marco Gonzales to a four-year contract extension.
The deal also includes a team option for a fifth season which gives the Mariners control of Gonzales through the 2025 season.
“This is truly an exciting day for me and my family,” Gonzales said in a statement. “We consider the city of Seattle our home, and to be welcomed by the Mariner 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.”
Gonzales, 27, was set to be arbitration eligible after the upcoming season. The new contract buys out his three years of arbitration eligibility and his first year of free agency with the team having the option for the 2025 season as well. According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the new contract for Gonzales is worth $30 million over the four guaranteed years or the deal.
Gonzales tied for the American League lead with 34 starts for the Mariners last season. He posted a 16-13 record with a 3.99 ERA over 203.0 innings pitched. He was tied for fifth in wins, tied for sixth in quality starts with 19, ranked seventh in innings pitched and 13th in ERA across the American League. His 16 wins were the most by a Mariners pitcher since Hisashi Iwakuma in 2016 (16) and the most by a Mariners lefty since Jamie Moyer (21) in 2003.
“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 statement. “His presence, competitiveness, preparation and leadership make him a key part of our future.”
The Mariners also claimed outfielder Jose Siri off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds on Monday. Right-handed pitcher Matt Festa was designated for assignment to clear a spot for Siri's addition.
Siri split the season between Double-A Chattanooga and Triple-A Louisville. Siri hit a combined .237 with 56 runs, 19 doubles, 11 home runs, 53 RBI and 26 stolen bases. However, he hit just .186 over 102 at-bats in Triple-A in 30 games played for Louisville last year. Siri entered 2019 ranked as the 9th-best prospect in Cincinnati’s organization by Baseball America.
Siri provides some additional outfield depth in the organization with Mitch Haniger set to miss the beginning of the season while recovering from core muscle surgery.
Photo Credit: ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - AUGUST 19: Marco Gonzales #7 of the Seattle Mariners pitches during a game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on August 19, 2019 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)