Mariners have every reason to tread carefully with a Logan Gilbert extension

Gilbert is the kind of arm you lock up. The problem is the timing suddenly feels less straightforward.

Seattle Mariners pitcher Logan Gilbert (36) throws in the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays. | Nick Turchiaro-Imagn ImagesMLB.com tossing Logan Gilbert into its 2026 extension-candidate bucket makes total sense on paper. He’s an All-Star-caliber starter, he’s eligible for free agency after the 2027 season, and Seattle’s entire identity still runs through pitching development.

But the Mariners also have every reason to slow-play this, because the “extend your homegrown ace” conversation isn’t happening in a vacuum anymore. Not after 2025 turned into a full-on record scratch for…