By Adeniyi Precious 
Julio Rodriguez, or “J-Rod,” has become a Seattle Mariners legend in the making. Since breaking out in 2022 as the AL Rookie of the Year and leading the Mariners to their first playoff run since 2001, he’s been a fan favorite.
But 2024 was a bit of a rollercoaster for the 24-year-old. With a struggling offense around him, Julio often felt the pressure to carry the team, which led to some frustrating results at the plate. His strikeout rate climbed to 25.2%, close to his rookie year numbers, and his walk rate hit a career low of 6.2%.
Even with these challenges, MLB Network named him the best center fielder heading into 2025—and it’s easy to see why. Julio’s metrics are off the charts: elite bat speed, exit velocity, hard-hit rate, arm strength, range—you name it, he’s got it.
In his three seasons, J-Rod hasn’t dropped below 4 WAR or 20 home runs in a season. He’s always slugged over .400 and hasn’t posted an OPS under .700. Add two All-Star selections to that résumé, and it’s clear the guy’s a total package.
What really makes him special to Seattle fans is his connection to the city. Julio is everywhere—giving back to the community and showing love to the people of Seattle. For fans, he’s the closest thing they’ve had to Ken Griffey Jr. or Ichiro Suzuki.
If Julio’s offseason work pays off, he could return to his 2022-23 form, but even his “off” 2024 season made him the team’s top player. Either way, Seattle fans are in for a treat.