In one of the most stunning turnarounds of the MLB offseason, the Los Angeles Dodgers have formally announced the signing of Seattle Mariners’ franchise center fielder to a blockbuster three-year, $87.4 million contract. The announcement comes on the heels of a reported contract miscommunication that led to the player rejecting a $91.3 million offer from the New York Mets—an offer that was initially believed to have locked in one of baseball’s brightest stars.
According to sources close to the situation, the player and his representatives misunderstood key financial structuring and deferred payments in the Mets’ proposal, leading to a swift and unexpected rejection of the deal. By the time the confusion was cleared up, it was too late—the door had been opened for the Los Angeles Dodgers to make their move.
And what a move it was.
Dodgers head coach and front office executives quickly entered negotiations with the star’s agents. Within 48 hours of initial contact, a formal agreement was on the table. Despite being worth $3.9 million less than the Mets’ offer, the Dodgers’ proposal featured stronger front-loaded incentives, full no-trade protection, and unique personal perks, including access to team-owned real estate in Los Angeles and a rare performance-based player option in the third year.
What began as an error quickly turned into a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The Dodgers have been aggressive in revamping their roster after falling short in last season’s playoff campaign. Adding the Mariners’ premier center fielder—who hit .302 last season with 27 home runs and 92 RBIs—sends a message to the league: Los Angeles isn’t waiting around.
For Mariners fans, the loss stings bitterly. The center fielder was not only a fan favorite but also the face of the franchise’s rebuild. Drafted and developed by Seattle, he brought life back into T-Mobile Park and gave the fanbase hope for postseason glory. His departure is nothing short of heartbreaking.
The Dodgers, however, are celebrating what may become one of the most consequential acquisitions in recent years. The team now boasts a stacked outfield, championship-ready lineup, and a renewed energy heading into the 2025 season. The front office confirmed in a press release that the player had passed his physicals and would be joining the team for summer workouts immediately.
This dramatic twist—triggered by a contract misunderstanding—has now rewritten the outlook for three major league franchises. The Mets are left wondering what went wrong, the Mariners are scrambling to find a replacement for their star, and the Dodgers have positioned themselves as World Series favorites.
This move will be dissected for weeks and remembered for years. It’s a powerful reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the high-stakes world of Major League Baseball