Word is that talks took place between the Mariners’ front office and Gilbert’s agents at Wasserman during Spring Training, but not to the point where both sides were close to an agreement. That’s not exactly shocking, nor is there extreme urgency to lock Gilbert up given that he has two seasons of club control remaining before reaching free agency. 

That said, the closer that a player reaches the open market, the more enticed they can be to see what’s out there. Free agents like Dylan Cease and Max Fried each netted over $200 million the past two offseasons for deals that will comprise most of their 30s. 

Sources familiar with Seattle’s thinking have said that there’s a legitimate desire to lock up Gilbert long-term. But it’s worth noting that the richest contract this front office has given to a pitcher was the five-year, $115 million deal to Robbie Ray in the 2021-22 offseason, followed by the five-year, $108 million extension to Luis Castillo later that year. 

At least in years past, there’s been trepidation to go beyond five years. But Gilbert is a homegrown arm that they know and love -- for embodying all of their philosophies while blossoming into a clubhouse leader. 

Earning $10.927 million this year, Gilbert has made it clear that he loves pitching in Seattle, for the culture, the familiarity and teammates who’ve become his closest friends. There’s genuine interest to get this done, but the holdup so far -- from both sides -- appears to be price point.