Opinion: Jerry Dipoto’s Smartest Decisions Happened Long Before the MLB Trade Deadline
The approval ratings of Major League Baseball executives aren’t something Gallup tracks, but if they were, Jerry Dipoto’s numbers would resemble the chaotic spikes of a seismograph during an earthquake. As the Seattle Mariners’ president of baseball operations, Dipoto has experienced both public praise and widespread criticism throughout his tenure.
At times, fans have been vocal in their frustration with his decisions, especially following controversial comments like his infamous “54 percent” statement after the Mariners missed the playoffs in 2023. That remark led many to question his leadership and baseball vision, driving his popularity among fans to its lowest point.
Fast-forward to this season, and the narrative has changed dramatically. Dipoto has regained the trust of Mariners faithful by pulling off a series of moves at the trade deadline that strengthened the team without significantly sacrificing the farm system. The acquisitions of Eugenio Suárez, Josh Naylor, and Caleb Ferguson at relatively low costs have reignited postseason hopes in Seattle—and even stirred dreams of a long-awaited World Series appearance.
While those deadline trades were undeniably impactful, the foundation of the Mariners’ potential success lies in two pivotal decisions Dipoto made much earlier. These weren’t flashy trades or last-minute acquisitions; instead, they were strategic long-term commitments to key players that now look like masterstrokes: the contract extensions for Cal Raleigh and Julio Rodríguez.
Let’s begin with Cal Raleigh, often affectionately known by fans as “Big Dumper.” Though he didn’t receive much All-Star buzz in past seasons, Raleigh had quietly established himself as the Mariners’ most reliable player. His Wins Above Replacement (WAR) numbers were steady—3.9 in 2022, 3.4 in 2023, and 4.7 the following year—solid, if not spectacular.
So when the Mariners signed him to a six-year, $105 million extension in March, most viewed it as a reasonable valuation for a solid performer. However, that deal now appears to be a stroke of genius. Raleigh has exploded this season with a league-leading 42 home runs and ranks second in American League MVP voting behind only Aaron Judge. With a 6.3 WAR (per FanGraphs), he is in the midst of a career-defining year, far surpassing previous performances.
There’s always a chance that this could be an anomaly—a career year unmatched by what came before or what follows. Baseball history is filled with players who shined brightly for one magical season. But even if 2025 ends up being Raleigh’s peak, his production this season is far beyond what anyone anticipated when he signed that extension.
And here’s the kicker: Had the Mariners not locked him in last spring, Raleigh could’ve easily demanded $25–30 million per year as a free agent—possibly more—given his current output. Instead, Seattle has him under contract at less than $18 million per year for the next six seasons. It’s quickly shaping up to be one of the most team-friendly deals in franchise history and, potentially, one of Dipoto’s crowning achievements as an executive.
Although the attention right now is focused on the Mariners’ impressive trade deadline activity, it’s worth remembering that the seeds of this season’s success were planted well before July. Dipoto’s foresight in securing Cal Raleigh and Julio Rodríguez to long-term deals has positioned the Mariners not just for a strong 2025 run, but also for sustained success in the years ahead.
In conclusion, while trade deadline moves often dominate headlines, true organizational strength is built through long-term planning and smart investment in talent. Jerry Dipoto may have made waves this summer, but his quiet decisions months earlier might ultimately prove to be the ones that define this era of Mariners baseball.
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