Thank you Dee Strange-Gordon: Seattle Mariners decline club option

The Seattle Mariners decline Dee Strange-Gordon’s $14 million club option. Strange-Gordon has made impacts on and off the field for the Mariners and should be appreciated

Dee Strange-Gordon joined the Seattle Mariners in 2018 after being traded from the Miami Marlins for a few minor leagues. Strange-Gordon did not perform very well for the Mariners, but he did a lot off the field which he deserves respect for. The team recently declined his club option for $14 million and will pay a $1 million buyout.

The speedy infielder brought joy to the Seattle clubhouse and quickly became a fan favorite. Dee’s big smile made his teammates laugh and cheer despite the struggles the organization has continued to face. Strange-Gordon seemed to bring joy even in the worst times as being a Mariners fan.

Strange-Gordon also was a leader in the community and won two awards in 2020. On April 23rd of 2020, he was named the winner of the 55th Hutch Award presented by Fred Hutch. Strange-Gordon’s work with kids who come from homes affected by domestic violence led him to win the Hutch Award in 2020.

Strange-Gordon has experienced domestic violence himself and is a big reason why he is stepping up to create change. He became the third Seattle Mariners player to win the Hutch Award alongside Jamie Moyer and Raul Ibanez.

In late September, Strange-Gordon was selected as the Unsung Hero for the Seattle chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America.

The Mariners fan base will miss watching Strange-Gordon steal bases while his helmet flies off, his acrobatic diving catches, his celebrations in the dugout, and his big smile. Dee is 32-years-old and I expect him to have a couple more years in him.

The two-time All-Star will not be the most highly prized infielder on the free-agent market, but I am sure a team could use his services in 2021. I look forward to following Strange-Gordon’s next landing spot, and his continuous impact on the community.