MLB Rumors: Logan Gilbert & Mariners Not Talking Extension

The Seattle Mariners and Logan Gilbert have yet to engage in meaningful discussions about a long-term contract extension, raising questions about the All-Star pitcher’s future in Seattle. 

Despite Gilbert’s breakout 2024 season—where he posted a 3.23 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, and 220 strikeouts over 208.2 innings—"there has been little discussion about a long-term deal," according to Adam Jude of The Seattle Times. 

With Gilbert projected to earn $8.1 million in 2025 during his second year of arbitration, Jude reports that “nothing is imminent,” leaving uncertainty about whether the Mariners will lock him in or risk a rising arbitration price as he continues to perform at an elite level.

A career year for Logan Gilbert‼️

Logan threw a career high 208.2 innings, with a career high 220 strikeouts, and a career best 0.89 WHIP which led the entire MLB in the regular season! Opposing hitters only hit .196 against him!

His relentless work continues to pay off! pic.twitter.com/Ejr9zrQ2vq

— Florida Baseball ARMory (@ArmoryFlorida) October 9, 2024

While the Mariners have the advantage of team control through 2027, securing Gilbert with an extension could provide essential cost certainty as they look to address weaknesses in their offense, which struggled throughout 2024. 

The rotation is already anchored by Luis Castillo, who is under contract through 2027, along with promising young arms like George Kirby, Bryan Woo, Bryce Miller, and Emerson Hancock. 

Though this pitching depth gives the Mariners some flexibility, waiting too long to extend Gilbert could increase the risk of him pricing himself out of their future plans. "It would benefit the Mariners to get a deal done as soon as possible," Jude notes, rather than wait for Gilbert’s rising profile to complicate negotiations.

First four MLB seasons...Logan Gilbert and Greg Maddux. #Mariners pic.twitter.com/u3zgjMovAK

— Luke Arkins (@luke_arkins) October 14, 2024

President of Baseball Operations Jerry Dipoto has dismissed the idea of trading from the rotation, emphasizing the importance of maintaining pitching depth. 

However, an NL scout told The Seattle Times that if the Mariners had to move someone, Miller would be the most logical candidate. “It would be ridiculous for them to trade any of their starters,” the scout added. 

For now, Gilbert's future remains unresolved, and while Seattle holds leverage with his years of team control, the clock is ticking on an opportunity to solidify a key piece of one of baseball’s best rotations.

Photo Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images