MLB analyst on Julio Rodriguez: "Julio is well on his way to being one of the top 5 best players in the game"
It has been just over 10 months since Julio Rodriguez made his MLB debut versus the Minnesota Twins. In that short period of time, the outfielder has been selected to the All-Star Game, voted Rookie of the Year and won a Silver Slugger Award. The Seattle Mariners slugger also finished second in the Home Run Derby. Not bad for a 22-year-old.
Rodriguez's rise to the top has been meteoric. Few expected the him to make such a big impact in his rookie season. He is fearless at the plate and has shown a level of maturity most veterans could only dream of.
The MLB Network’s Top 100 Players list ranked Rodriguez as the no. 16 player in the league. Many, including MLB analyst Chris Young, believe the Dominican star should be ranked higher on the list:
"Julio is well on his way to being one of the top 5 best players in the game"
Young credited Rodriguez's competitive nature for his exceptional season and called him a "true five tool guy."
on our #Top100RightNow after an impressive rookie season!"Julio is well on his way to being one of the top 5 best players in the game."
@JRODshow44 comes in at 1⃣6⃣ on our #Top100RightNow after an impressive rookie season!
@CY24_7 | @Mariners https://t.co/I4AhshWE5x
"'Julio is well on his way to being one of the top 5 best players in the game.' @JRODshow44 comes in at on our #Top100RightNow after an impressive rookie season! @CY24_7 | @Mariners" - MLB Network
Rodriguez finished the season with an impressive .284/.345/.509 slash line and an .854 OPS. He led the Seattle Mariners in runs (84) and stolen bases (25). He ranked second in the lineup in home runs (28) and hits (145). An impressive achievement considering he missed 30 regular-season games due to injury.
The Seattle Mariners rewarded Julio Rodriguez with a contract extension that could last through 2039
Young took it a step further and stated that if Rodriguez is able to continue his upward trajectory, he could be on his way to a historic 40-40 season.
"If he can come out there and take away that slow start and stay healthy all season, I'm calling a 40-40 season for this young man."
It is a bold prediction considering only four players in the history of MLB have ever achieved this feat. Alfonso Soriano was the last player to reach the 40-40 mark back in 2006 with the Washington Nationals. Jose Canseco, Barry Bonds and Alex Rodriguez are the only other members of the prestigious club.
Julio Rodriguez hits his 5th lead off home run of the season!
(via @Mariners)
https://t.co/1GRxwg60Zz
"Julio Rodriguez hits his 5th lead off home run of the season! (via @Mariners)" - FOX Sports: MLB
Julio Rodriguez helped guide the Mariners to their first playoff appearance since 2001. In return, the organization rewarded him with a contract extension that could rise to $470 million through 2039. If he continues to develop, expect Rodriguez to break into the top 10 list next season.