J.P. Crawford – Seattle Mariners Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

J.P. Crawford has really become the heart of the Seattle Mariners since he joined the team. Back in April 2022, he locked in his future with Seattle by signing a five-year, $51 million contract that came with a $5 million signing bonus.

That deal made it clear the Mariners saw him as their guy at shortstop while they tried to build a playoff team.

Crawford now earns $10 million a year, and his net worth sits at around $56,546,137. This contract runs through 2026, so both he and the team get some stability as they keep pushing for a competitive roster.

Getting here wasn’t always easy for Crawford, but his defense won him a Gold Glove and helped justify the Mariners’ big investment. He avoided salary arbitration with his contract, making him a foundational piece as Seattle finally got back to the playoffs.

Early Life and Background

J.P. Crawford’s path to the majors started in California, where his athleticism showed up early. His family, education, and a bunch of other influences helped shape him into the player he is now.

Family and Upbringing

J.P. Crawford was born January 11, 1995, in Long Beach, California. His full name is John Paul Crawford, but pretty much everyone in baseball just calls him J.P.

He grew up in Lakewood, where his family constantly encouraged his athletic dreams.

Sports definitely run in the Crawford family. His dad, Larry Crawford, actually played pro football as a defensive back in the NFL. His cousin, Carl Crawford, played 15 seasons in MLB with teams like the Rays and Red Sox.

With that kind of athletic background, there was always a push for sports excellence at home. Growing up in Southern California, Crawford got access to great youth leagues and coaching.

High School Achievements

Crawford went to Lakewood High School in Lakewood, California. He quickly stood out as a top baseball prospect.

He played shortstop for the Lakewood Lancers, showing off his quick hands, defensive instincts, and solid bat. His hitting got better every year, turning him into a well-rounded player.

By his senior year, MLB scouts were watching closely. He picked up some impressive honors:

• High School All-American
• Ranked among the nation’s top high school prospects
• Led Lakewood to multiple conference championships

All that attention paid off when the Philadelphia Phillies picked him 16th overall in the 2013 MLB Draft right out of high school.

Influences and Inspirations

Crawford has talked about looking up to shortstops like Derek Jeter and Jimmy Rollins. He admired their defense, leadership, and how they carried themselves.

His high school coaches played a big part in his growth. They focused on fundamentals but still let Crawford add his own style to the position.

The competitive baseball scene in Southern California pushed him, too. Facing future pros forced him to toughen up and sharpen his skills.

California’s baseball culture—and the weather that lets you play all year—meant Crawford could stay on the field constantly. That experience turned him from a talented kid into a legit first-round MLB prospect.

Professional Baseball Career

J.P. Crawford’s pro career tells the story of a promising prospect who grew into a respected Major League shortstop, known for his defensive skills and an improving bat.

MLB Debut and Initial Seasons

The Philadelphia Phillies drafted Crawford with the 16th pick in 2013. He shot up prospect lists, making most top-100 rankings.

After moving up through the minors, Crawford debuted in the majors on September 5, 2017, at age 22. He picked up his first big-league hit four days later against the Nationals.

Early on, Crawford had to adjust to major league pitching. He also had a few defensive hiccups, despite his strong reputation with the glove.

Philadelphia Phillies Years

Crawford’s stint with the Phillies was short but important. In 2018, he played 49 games, hitting .214 with 3 homers and 12 RBIs.

His defense stood out, showing off his range and arm. Unfortunately, injuries slowed him down, including a broken hand that kept him out for a while.

Eventually, the Phillies traded Crawford in December 2018, sending him to the Seattle Mariners as part of the deal for Jean Segura.

Seattle Mariners Journey

Crawford’s career really took off in Seattle. He blossomed defensively and won a Gold Glove in 2020—his first.

The Mariners doubled down on him in April 2022 with a 5-year, $51 million extension, including a $5 million signing bonus. They clearly viewed him as their shortstop for years to come.

In 2022, Crawford helped lead Seattle to its first playoffs since 2001. That ended the longest postseason drought in major North American sports. He stepped up as a leader on a young team.

By 2023, Crawford’s hitting improved, adding more power and getting on base more often, all while keeping up his elite defense.

Notable Career Milestones

Winning the Gold Glove in 2020 was a huge moment for Crawford. He’s consistently ranked among the best defensive shortstops in the league.

Crawford stands 6’0″ and weighs 202 pounds. He bats left-handed and has shifted from being mostly a contact hitter to showing more power as he’s matured.

His contract pays him $10 million a year, which feels about right for what he brings to the Mariners.

People around the team often praise Crawford’s work ethic and baseball IQ. He’s gone from prospect to cornerstone, and fans in Seattle love his energy and competitive spirit.

Contract Details and Financial Overview

J.P. Crawford’s financial story in MLB mirrors his rising importance to the Mariners. His contracts show a steady climb from rookie deals to a big extension that cemented his spot as Seattle’s cornerstone shortstop.

Initial MLB Contracts

Crawford started his MLB money journey with the Phillies, who picked him 16th overall in 2013. His rookie contract followed the usual path for first-rounders, with a decent signing bonus.

After the Mariners traded for him in December 2018, he spent his pre-arbitration years earning a team-controlled salary. Those years don’t pay much by MLB standards.

In 2022, he and the Mariners agreed to a $4.85 million deal to skip salary arbitration. That was his first real pay bump and showed the team trusted him as their everyday shortstop.

Contract Extension with the Mariners

April 2022 marked a turning point when Crawford signed a five-year, $51 million extension with Seattle. The deal runs through 2026, covering his last arbitration years and first shot at free agency.

He got a $5 million signing bonus up front. The Mariners made this move after seeing his defense and a jump in offensive numbers.

This contract locked Crawford in as Seattle’s shortstop of the future. The $51 million guarantee showed real faith in his growth and leadership.

Salary Progression Over the Years

Crawford’s salary climbed steadily. He made close to the league minimum early on, but things changed fast after his extension.

His salary hit $10 million in the 2025 season, and there’s another bump coming. The extension was structured so he’d get more each year.

Here’s a quick rundown of his pay:

• 2022: Lower base, plus signing bonus
• 2023: First big jump
• 2024: Keeps going up
• 2025: $10-11 million range
• 2026: Highest annual value

This setup rewards Crawford for steady improvement and gives the Mariners a predictable payroll for their starting shortstop.

Net Worth and Financial Standing

J.P. Crawford has built up a solid fortune through his baseball career with the Mariners. His salary and some other income streams have helped him create a pretty strong financial profile.

Estimated Net Worth

By 2025, J.P. Crawford’s net worth is about $56.5 million. Most of that comes from his baseball contracts since the Phillies drafted him in 2013.

His big financial break came with the 5-year, $51 million deal he signed in 2022. That included a $5 million signing bonus and is fully guaranteed.

His salary breakdown under this contract:

• 2022: $5 million
• 2023-2025: $10 million each year
• 2026: $11 million

Before that, he made $4.85 million in 2022 through arbitration with the Mariners.

Major Endorsements and Sponsorships

Most of Crawford’s money comes from his Mariners contract, but he’s got a handful of endorsement deals with equipment companies and local Seattle businesses.

He partners with Rawlings for his gloves, which makes sense as one of the game’s best defensive shortstops. That Gold Glove connection definitely helps.

Crawford also has some regional sponsorships with Pacific Northwest brands, but he’s kept a pretty low commercial profile compared to bigger MLB stars.

He’s chosen to keep his endorsement deals limited, focusing more on baseball while still building some financial security off the field.

Personal Life and Off-Field Contributions

Away from baseball, J.P. Crawford has shown he’s more than just a ballplayer. He’s got a range of interests and tries to make a difference in his community.

Community Involvement

Crawford has been active in several community programs during his time with the Mariners. He often joins the team’s youth clinics, working with kids to help them fall in love with baseball.

In 2023, Crawford started a program that gives baseball equipment to underprivileged kids in Seattle. Hundreds of kids have gotten gear and a shot at playing organized ball because of it.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Crawford stepped up in the Mariners’ community efforts. He organized food drives and joined virtual meet-and-greets with fans struggling through lockdowns.

Personal Interests and Charitable Work

Off the field, Crawford likes hanging out with his wife and family. He grew up in Long Beach, California, and he still feels connected to his hometown. Every off-season, he heads back there.

Crawford’s a pretty serious gamer, and he actually uses that hobby for good. He joins streaming events to help raise money for children’s hospitals.

He’s also got a thing for sneakers. People say his collection is pretty wild.

Crawford set up a scholarship fund for students at Lakewood High School, where he went. He wants to help student-athletes who work hard in school and need some financial support.

Even though his net worth is over $56 million, Crawford keeps it real. He really tries to use his success to make a difference in the communities that mean the most to him.