DEAL ACCEPTED: Seattle Mariner Major League Baseball pitcher Ken Griffey Jr Signs a 4-year Contract With the Los Angeles Dodgers, worth $109 Million as their new…. See more

In a blockbuster front-office move that is sending shockwaves through Major League Baseball, Ken Griffey Jr., one of the most iconic players in baseball history, has signed a 4-year, $109 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers to become their new Vice President of Baseball Strategy and Player Relations.

The Dodgers announced the deal Monday morning, confirming that Griffey—long associated with the Seattle Mariners and widely regarded as one of the greatest outfielders of all time—will take on a senior executive role, focused on developing organizational culture, guiding player growth, and contributing to high-level roster strategy.

“Ken Griffey Jr. is not only a Hall of Famer, he’s a visionary when it comes to the modern athlete,” said Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman. “His insight, charisma, and experience will be an invaluable asset as we continue to evolve how we support our players and approach the game.”

Though Griffey has never pitched in the MLB (a humorous mistake circulating due to the initial announcement), the legendary outfielder is stepping into a powerful leadership position off the field. His new role will involve a hybrid of mentorship, analytics collaboration, and organizational strategy—a model more franchises are adopting in the player development arms race.

Griffey, 55, expressed excitement at the opportunity to join one of baseball’s most storied franchises.

“It’s an honor to join the Dodgers,” Griffey said at a press conference at Dodger Stadium. “I’ve always admired how this organization blends tradition with innovation. This isn’t about stats or titles—it’s about people. My goal is to help these players succeed on and off the field.”

The $109 million deal, while eye-popping, reportedly includes performance-based incentives and brand licensing rights related to Griffey’s involvement in Dodgers media and merchandise campaigns. Sources say the deal reflects not only his expected impact internally but also his cultural and commercial influence.

Griffey has remained active in baseball since retiring in 2010, serving in advisory roles with the Mariners and MLB itself, and spearheading numerous youth development programs. This move marks his most formal return to team-level involvement in over a decade.

Fans and analysts across the league are abuzz with speculation over what Griffey’s presence could mean for the Dodgers’ clubhouse, their already cutting-edge analytics approach, and potential recruitment power.

“Any time you bring in someone like Junior, it changes everything,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. “He’s got the respect of every player who’s ever picked up a bat.”