The Seattle Mariners have a prime opportunity ahead: securing ace Logan Gilbert with a long-term deal.
While fans have only heard that preliminary talks have taken place, the fact that ongoing discussions are happening with the Cy Young candidate is an encouraging sign. If the Mariners continue their pattern of avoiding major free-agent spending—an ongoing frustration—then locking in their young stars must be the top priority. With Gilbert set to hit free agency after the 2027 season, extending him should be at the top of their to-do list.
During an interview with Brock and Salk on Seattle Sports 710 AM at spring training, Gilbert gave fans a glimmer of hope that an extension could be in the works.
“I love it here, and I truly mean that,” the All-Star right-hander said. “They’ve treated me well.”
When asked directly about a potential contract extension, he responded: “I’m definitely open to it. The situation has to be right, but I’m open to it. We’ve had some loose conversations—nothing serious yet, but I’d say things have been optimistic.”
Since debuting in 2021, Gilbert has embodied everything a team wants in a frontline starter—durability, consistency, and a workhorse mentality. Every fifth day, he takes the mound and gives Seattle a chance to win. His steady development and adaptability make him an ideal long-term anchor for the rotation. If there’s a blueprint for a perfect Mariners pitcher, Gilbert fits the mold.
Yet, once again, the question looms: will Mariners ownership step up and invest in its own talent?
For years, Seattle has hesitated to make big free-agent splashes, consistently ranking near the bottom in overall payroll. Instead, they rely on trades and internal player development while selling fans on future potential. If that remains their approach, they must reward the players who prove their worth. Gilbert has done just that, and letting him walk would be a costly mistake.
From a business standpoint, locking him up now would be a smart move for general manager Jerry Dipoto and owner John Stanton. The longer they wait, the higher the price tag will climb. Around the league, teams are extending young pitchers early to avoid the inflated costs of later negotiations. The Mariners have already let too many free-agent opportunities slip away; they can’t afford to make the same mistake with their homegrown talent.
If Seattle truly envisions building a sustainable contender without leaning on free agency, securing Gilbert should be an easy decision. At just 27, his prime years are still ahead, and he has already proven his value. Now, it’s up to ownership to make a statement—commit to the future and keep one of their most dependable arms in a Mariners uniform for years to come.
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