Mariners Weigh Contract Extensions for Young Pitching Aces

Seattle must decide whether to lock up Gilbert and Woo long-term as their young rotation takes shape.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Seattle Mariners have focused on extending their top young hitters like Julio Rodríguez and Cal Raleigh, but their talented young pitching staff of Logan Gilbert and Bryan Woo has yet to receive similar long-term deals. With Gilbert two years away from free agency and Woo four years away, the Mariners must weigh whether to proactively sign these rising stars to contract extensions in the coming years.

Why it matters

The Mariners' young pitching rotation, anchored by Gilbert and Woo, has the potential to be one of the best in baseball if kept intact. Locking up these arms long-term could provide the foundation for a sustained run of success in Seattle, but the team must balance the financial commitments against other priorities.

The details

After posting All-Star seasons in 2024 and 2025, Gilbert and Woo have emerged as the cornerstones of the Mariners' pitching staff. Gilbert, who finished sixth in AL Cy Young voting in 2024, is two years away from free agency, while Woo, who placed fifth in 2025, is four years away. The Mariners have already extended their top young hitters, but have yet to do the same with their prized pitchers.

  • In 2024, Logan Gilbert was an All-Star and finished sixth in AL Cy Young voting.
  • In 2025, Bryan Woo was an All-Star and finished fifth in AL Cy Young voting.
  • Gilbert will be two years away from free agency after the 2026 season.
  • Woo will be four years away from free agency after the 2029 season.

The players

Logan Gilbert

A rising star in the Mariners' rotation who was an All-Star and Cy Young contender in 2024.

Bryan Woo

Another young ace in the Mariners' staff who had a breakout All-Star season and top-5 Cy Young finish in 2025.

Julio Rodríguez

One of the Mariners' top young hitters who has already been signed to a long-term extension.

Cal Raleigh

Another Mariners' young hitter who has received a long-term deal, unlike the team's pitchers.

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What they’re saying

“The Mariners have three of their everyday players -- Julio Rodríguez, Cal Raleigh and Josh Naylor -- signed through at least 2030, but Seattle has yet to extend any members of its young, talented pitching staff.”

— Mark Feinsand, MLB.com reporter (MLB.com)

“Woo is still four years away from free agency, but after posting an All-Star season in 2025 that earned him a fifth-place finish in AL Cy Young voting, the right-hander could be a prime candidate for an extension. Gilbert, who was an All-Star and finished sixth in Cy Young voting in 2024, is two years away from free agency, the closest of any of the Mariners' young starters.”

— Mark Feinsand, MLB.com reporter (MLB.com)

What’s next

The Mariners will need to decide in the coming years whether to offer contract extensions to Gilbert and Woo to lock up their young pitching core long-term. Their decisions could shape the future direction of the franchise.

The takeaway

The Mariners have built a talented young roster, but must now determine if they will invest in extending their promising pitchers Gilbert and Woo in addition to their star hitters. Keeping this rotation intact could be the key to sustained success in Seattle.