This season in MLB, the AL has several breakout performers who have demonstrated their worth as candidates who deserve contract extensions with their respective clubhouses. 

Locking down these core members is necessary given their successful track records, offensive production and defensive upside.

By extending these highly impactful players, they will provide prolonged reliability for the future that will solidify their reputations as valuable assets. 

Let's explore five key players in the AL who should be locked up to contract extensions:

Riley Greene (Detroit Tigers)

Greene has been a reliable asset to the Tigers as he possesses solid raw power (11 home runs) while upholding a respectable .284 batting average. 

Last night, Riley Greene became the 3rd player in franchise history to surpass 85 homers, 300 runs, and 300 RBI before turning 26 years old.

The other two: Al Kaline and Travis Fryman.#DNMW pic.twitter.com/k8ZUjvnojW

The 25-year-old remains under team control for two more seasons and it would be wise for the Tigers to lock him down before he lands on the free-agent market prior to the 2029 season. 

On June 30, he recorded a three-RBI performance that included two home runs against the New York Yankees, demonstrating his clutch bat. 

But the outfielder also reached a historic milestone in his career by becoming the third player in franchise history to record more than 85 home runs, 300 runs and 300 RBI before reaching the age of 26. 

Daulton Varsho (Toronto Blue Jays)

Varsho signed a one-year, $10 million contract in the offseason, but the 2024 Gold Glover is in his final season before he enters free agency. 

Happy 30th Birthday to Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Daulton Varsho!

Most Defensive Runs Saved by an MLB outfielder since 2023 (per Fielding Bible):

64 - Varsho
57 - Steven Kwan
48 - Wilyer Abreu
46 - Ceddanne Rafaela
41 - Fernando Tatis Jr.#BlueJays pic.twitter.com/Fj02kPwf6Z

Extending Varsho is likely a priority for the Blue Jays as he owns the most Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) by an MLB outfielder since 2023 with 64. His defense has continued to be an asset as he has recorded three Outs Above Average (OAA) this season, which sits in the 84th percentile. 

Extending Varsho also would provide the Blue Jays with a long-term fixture in center field who serves as a left-hitting power bat (tied for third on the team with seven home runs). 

While Varsho's overall offense has been inconsistent this season, he has shown flashes of dominance, including a walk-off grand slam on May 13 against the Tampa Bay Rays. 

Shea Langeliers ( Athletics)

28-year-old Athletics catcher Langeliers crushed his 20th home run of the season on July 1 and has now logged four consecutive seasons with 20 or more home runs. 

The Athletics have upheld a reputation of locking in their young pool of stars such as Jacob Wilson, Brent Rooker, Tyler Soderstorm and Lawrence Butler. 

That's a clear sign that Langeliers is surely the next young talent to earn a contract extension, as he signed a one-year, $5.25 million contract in the offseason. 

His elite bat speed this season also sits in the 87th percentile at 75.3 mph and he remains to be the front-runner in Phase 2 of voting for AL All-Star catcher.

Gunnar Henderson ( Baltimore Orioles)

The 25-year-old Henderson has served as a cornerstone infielder for the Orioles and is also a former Rookie of the Year winner. 

It's nice to get some help from your friends!

Gunnar Henderson with the impressive pick and tag to secure the CS for Rutschman. pic.twitter.com/qzNz1vVZ9Y

He signed a one-year, $8.5 million contract in the offseason, and if the Orioles want to uphold his status as a franchise player for the future, locking him down would seal the deal. 

He continues to be a valuable asset as a young left-handed hitter with solid production (16 home runs, six stolen bases) and top-tier defense at shortstop (three OAA and 88.1 mph arm strength). 

Since he remains under club control through 2028, locking him in now would give the Orioles the advantage of securing him during his prime before he hits the free agency, which could risk cost escalation. 

Logan Gilbert ( Seattle Mariners)

29-year-old starting pitcher Gilbert has been a consistent arm in the rotation for the Mariners and owns a career 3.56 ERA. The 2024 All-Star has been a fixture of durability, which is just part of what makes him extension worthy. 

As a high-leverage starter in the AL, he owns 107 strikeouts this season while compiling a 6-5 record and 3.42 ERA across 100 innings pitched.

He signed a one-year, $10.927 million deal, in the offseason and the Mariners' front office has already expressed interest in keeping him long-term.

But what's made things complex is the market value for pitchers and Gilberts' solid performance trajectory. But as a starter who contains an extensive arsenal, the Mariners will crunch the numbers to extend their home-grown talent.