J.P. Crawford contract update adds another likely farewell to Mariners' final week

As the Mariners enter the final week of what has been an extremely disappointing 2026 season, thoughts turn to who is unlikely to be back in 2027. Randy Arozarena understandably tops the list, with other names mentioned including the likes of Víctor Robles and Taylor Ward. And if the latest news from Adam Jude of The Seattle Times counts for something -- and it does -- M's fans should also be using these last six home games to say goodbye to J.P. Crawford.

Jude writes that the Mariners have not made any overtures about re-signing Crawford, who is in the final throes of his current five-year, $51 million contract. In fairness it's been believed for quite a while now that the 31-year-old would be leaving after this season, with his overall play regressing to the point he's set to have the lowest bWAR of his tenure in Seattle. This is in stark contrast to back in 2023, when his 5.2 bWAR was the best ever in franchise history by a shortstop not named Alex Rodriguez.

It has been even worse on the defensive side of things for Crawford, who actually won a Gold Glove with the Mariners in 2020. This season, he ranks in the first percentile in Range (OAA) and the 21st percentile for arm strength.

Is it ever so slightly possible that J.P. Crawford could be back in a Mariners uniform next season?

Colt Emerson is set to be the long-term shortstop in Seattle, pending the Mariners making the admittedly unlikely decision to move for someone such as Reds star Elly De La Cruz. At the same time however, even accounting for Emerson being compromised by a lingering wrist injury throughout this year, he's still going to have to earn his job next spring (or whenever the pending lockout ends). As such, is it possible the door could still be slightly ajar for Crawford to come back?

Consider the delightful plot twist that Jude also mentioned the possibility of the team adding a veteran shortstop this winter. Now throw in Crawford's previous comments about wanting to be a Mariner for life. It seems feasible to at least consider bringing him back into the fold as a proper utility player, with him still useful at getting on base and offering invaluable leadership as one of the most popular players in the M's clubhouse.

To be clear, we're not outright advocating for the Mariners to re-sign Crawford, but we also wouldn't completely dismiss the notion so quickly. At least the front office won't have to rush on anything, with him seeming like the kind of guy not to have much of a market, which in turn would increase the chances of a team-friendly deal.

So for now, by all means use these final two home series versus the Astros and Angels to cheer Crawford on and wish him all the best. However, also keep in the back of your mind that maybe... just maybe... we haven't seen the last of him in an M's uniform. At the risk of being called a sucker, there would certainly be something poetic about one of the top 50 players in franchise history finishing his career with the team which means so much to him.

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