J.P. Crawford’s contract with the Seattle Mariners is set to expire at the end of the 2026 season, bringing a potential end to an era that has seen him become the spiritual heart of our infield. It’s a bittersweet reality that’s hitting hard for us in the Emerald City right now, especially as we look at what he’s meant to this club.
From Shortstop Anchor to Club Leader
Crawford arrived back in 2019 in a trade with Philadelphia, quickly taking over at shortstop. What a journey it’s been watching him blossom from there into a valuable everyday bat and the spiritual heart of our infield. You know those moments from 2019 and 2021 when he literally stood there and witnessed the final games of two Mariners legends? He totally understood the emotional weight of those endings, and it felt like he embraced his role as a team leader right then and there. We saw Félix go, then had to send off our friend and infield big brother Seager as the team just barely missed the playoffs in 2021. It stings to even think about. But then, J.P. was right there celebrating with all of us in 2022 when we finally broke that postseason drought, and he even posted a career year at the plate in 2023. He kept that leader energy going strong, leading all the celebrations and picking the team’s postseason victory song in 2025! This season, he showed that quality leadership again, graciously accepting the move over to third base so that Colt Emerson could take over at shortstop until Emerson himself got too injured to play. Seriously, J.P. has been everything you could reasonably ask for in a modern-day everyday MLB shortstop.
The Clock Is Ticking On This Season
But let’s be real, this season has been tough for J.P. He’s felt like an afterthought at times due to nagging injuries, a slow season at the plate, and a noticeable decline in defense. It’s tough to watch, but when you look at the numbers, his wRC+ sits at 103 in limited playing time, which isn’t far off his career norms outside of that insane 2023 season. Yeah, the totals and bWAR are down, no denying that, but when he’s been healthy, he’s still been contributing at the plate. That gives me hope, like maybe he could get a couple more seasons as a utility infielder. If this truly is his last hurrah with the team, assuming he even makes it back from the IL one more time, it’s going to feel incredibly bittersweet, just like Seager’s goodbye did. We’ve got about a month left to really appreciate J.P. for everything he’s given us.
So, let’s talk about it, Mariners faithful. What do you think? Is J.P. Crawford done as a Seattle Mariner after 2026? If you say no, what’s the path forward in terms of his contract and position? And if you think yes, does J.P. deserve a spot in the Mariners Hall of Fame? Drop your takes in the comments below!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Lookout Landing.
Leave a Reply