Is this J.P. Crawford’s last stand as a Seattle Mariner?

Arriving in 2019 in a trade with Philadelphia along with Carlos Santana (briefly, the first time), John Paul Crawford took over at shortstop and gradually blossomed into a valuable everyday bat and spiritual heart and soul of the Mariners infield. Who could ever forget these moments in 2019 and 2021 where he witnessed the final games of two Mariners legends and seemed to fully understand the emotional weight of endings and simultaneously embrace his role as a team leader.

(clears throat, blows nose)

Apologies for the emotional terrorism I sprung on y’all there, but I wanted to point out that even though Crawford has felt like an afterthought at times this season due to nagging injuries, a slow season at the plate, and a decline in defense, the question of what to do as his contract expires at the end of the 2026 season deserves much consideration. He has been through it, right there with all of us. Seeing Félix go. Sending off his friend and infield big brother Seager as the team bitterly fell just short of the playoffs in 2021. He celebrated with us all in 2022 as the team finally broke the postseason drought. He posted a career year in 2023 at the plate. He led all celebrations again in 2025 and picked the team’s postseason victory song. This season he demonstrated his quality leadership again by graciously accepting the move over to third base so that Colt Emerson could take over at shortstop until he too was too injured to play.

J.P. has been everything you could reasonably ask for in a modern-day everyday MLB shortstop. If this is his last hurrah with the team and assuming he makes it back from the IL one more time, it will all likely feel very bittersweet, much like Seager’s finale. I wanted to write this post to a) help folks pre-grieve the potential end and b) remind everyone to appreciate J.P. as much as we can this next month. I also want to point out that even in limited playing time, his wRC+ sits at 103 which is not far off from his career norms aside from his blistering 2023 season. The totals and bWAR may be down, but when he’s been healthy, he’s still been contributing at the plate, which leads me to hoping they give him a couple more seasons as a utility infielder.

Anyways, I wanted to pose some questions to the community and let’s hear your takes on our dear Captain J.P. Crawford.

1. Is J.P. Crawford done as a Seattle Mariner after 2026?

2. If no, what’s the path forward in terms of contract and position?

3. If yes, is J.P. a future Mariners Hall of Famer?

Let’s hear it in the comments!