Segura inks five-year contract extension

SEATTLE -- The only downside when the Mariners traded for Jean Segura in November was that the standout shortstop had only two years of club control before hitting free agency, while they gave up four years of control on pitcher Taijuan Walker as he went to the D-backs in exchange.
But that detail was taken care of Wednesday when the Mariners announced a five-year contract extension that will keep Segura with Seattle through 2022. Seattle also has five years of control of outfielder Mitch Haniger, another key piece in the five-player swap that also brought in lefty reliever Zac Curtis and sent shortstop Ketel Marte to Arizona.
Contract details were not announced by the Mariners, per club policy, but MLB.com's Jon Paul Morosi reports the deal will pay Segura $70 million over the five years. The contract also includes a club option for 2023 at $17 million, as well as a no-trade clause.
General manager Jerry Dipoto called Segura "a hit collector" who quickly reaffirmed that he could be a big part of Seattle's future core after immediately fitting in at the top of the lineup and following up on his outstanding offensive performance from 2016 with the D-backs.
"Jean has all the tools to be a star-level player," Dipoto said. "He's been that the past year and a half and we're thrilled to make him part of our family for the next five, and possibly six, years."
Dipoto said team ownership gave him a "unanimous go for it" when approached about extending Segura's deal.

The club has long-term deals in place with Robinson Canó, through 2024; Kyle Seager, through 2021; Felix Hernandez, through 2019; and Nelson Cruz, through next season.
"We've talked repeatedly about the core group that is here and our belief that this isn't a short window of opportunity to compete, and this is another example of how we wanted to express that," Dipoto said. "We believe in this team and these players and Jean Segura as our leadoff hitter and shortstop for the foreseeable future."
Segura, who leads the American League in hitting with a .341 average, is currently on the 10-day disabled list with a high-ankle sprain, but manager Scott Servais said Wednesday he's hopeful Segura can return as soon as the team's next road trip.
Seattle avoided arbitration with Segura in January, agreeing to a one-year deal worth $6.2 million. He would have become a free agent after the 2018 season, so the club is buying out his final year of arbitration and first four years of free agency.
Segura was a National League All-Star for Milwaukee in 2013 and led the National League in hits last year in his lone season with the D-backs.
Segura said the chance to play alongside his close friend Cano has played a part in getting comfortable quickly in Seattle. Cano said Segura is "like a little brother" and welcomed the news of his long-term deal.
Cano was among a large contingent of teammates who stood in the back of the room at Wednesday's news conference.
"I feel like this is home for me," Segura said. "And as a player, you choose where you best fit and what's comfortable for you."
The 27-year-old Dominican native said his other family was even more important, as his pregnant wife, Kellen, and young son, Juan, watched from the front row.
"This is the best gift I've ever received in my life," he said. "Now I can take care of my family, my little boy and another one on the way."