Mariners Aim to Lock Up Ace Pitcher Logan Gilbert Long-Term

Extension talks stall as team looks to keep homegrown star in Seattle

Mar. 29, 2026 at 2:19pm

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The Seattle Mariners are facing a critical decision on whether to sign star pitcher Logan Gilbert to a long-term contract extension. Gilbert, a first-round draft pick in 2018, has emerged as one of the best young pitchers in baseball, making the All-Star team in 2024 and leading the majors in several key pitching stats. With Gilbert's contract set to expire soon, the Mariners must decide whether to invest heavily to keep their homegrown ace or risk losing him to free agency.

Why it matters

Retaining Gilbert is crucial for the Mariners, who have built much of their recent success around homegrown pitching talent. Losing Gilbert would be a major blow to the team's identity and future contention hopes, as the 25-year-old has become the face of the franchise's pitching staff.

The details

Extension talks between the Mariners and Gilbert stalled this past offseason, with reports indicating the two sides were far apart on a potential 4-year, $85-90 million deal. Gilbert is coming off back-to-back stellar seasons, including a 2024 campaign where he led the majors in innings pitched and WHIP while making his first All-Star team. In 2025, he struck out a league-high 11.9 batters per 9 innings despite missing time due to injury.

  • Gilbert was drafted by the Mariners in the 1st round in 2018.
  • In 2024, Gilbert made the All-Star team and finished 6th in AL Cy Young voting.
  • Extension talks between Gilbert and the Mariners stalled this past offseason.

The players

Logan Gilbert

A 25-year-old right-handed starting pitcher who has emerged as one of the top young pitchers in baseball since being drafted by the Mariners in 2018.

Cal Raleigh

The Mariners' starting catcher, who has developed a strong working relationship with Gilbert after the two came up through the minors together.

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What they’re saying

“Gilbert flat-out said Raleigh knows him as a pitcher better than anyone. He also said Raleigh's long-term deal made staying in Seattle even more appealing, and that Seattle has become like home.”

— Logan Gilbert, Mariners Pitcher

What’s next

The Mariners must decide in the coming months whether to offer Gilbert a long-term contract extension that keeps him in Seattle or risk losing him to free agency when his current deal expires.

The takeaway

The Mariners cannot afford to let their homegrown ace pitcher Logan Gilbert walk in free agency, as he has become the face of the team's pitching staff and a key part of their identity as a franchise. Retaining Gilbert long-term should be a top priority for the team this offseason.