Camila Sosa
By beginning the campaign as one of the top three most highly rated prospects in the entire MLB on the list of all scouts, the performance of Julio Rodríguez in Spring Training has been impressive to say the least, and his strong performance has led him to secure a spot for Opening Day with the Seattle Mariners. Today the franchise announced it on their social media, essentially confirming what could become their new starting lineup in the outfield with newly acquired Jesse Winker, and the team’s star Mitch Haniger.
With a .419/.471/.839 batting line in addition to three homers, four doubles and three stolen bases in four attempts through 12 spring training games, there was no doubt in the Mariners’ minds where the 21-year-old’s bat should be, preparing for his April 7 debut against the Minnesota Twins.
Julio Rodríguez’s Time with the Mariners
He got to the organization via the international prospect market in 2017; once Rodríguez entered the minor league prospect system, his rise was quick and fleeting, always sneaking into the top 20 best prospects since 2020, and without needing to go through Triple-A.
Having contested the Double-A division in 2021 with a .347/.441/.560 line with 13 homers, 19 doubles and 21 stolen bases in 340 plate appearances, Scott Servais, manager of the Mariners, was more than pleased with his performance so far against major league pitching enough to not doubt his inclusion in Seattle’s current roster.
Despite the franchise’s possible interest in keeping him in the minor leagues to extend its control over the Dominican, if he remains with the major league team for the remainder of the season, Julio Rodríguez would remain with the Mariners until at least 2027, entering the arbitration system in 2024.
The new bonus system for prospects (which was finalized during the lockout negotiations in the past few months) has also played a big part in the player’s performance, having now more opportunities to secure his financial future.
He fell just a couple of games short of qualifying for their first post-season since 2001, and Seattle will be looking to improve their record to 90-72 in 2021 and are currently emerging as the favorites to take the American League West division along with the Houston Astros and the Los Angeles Angels in the fight for the divisional title and post-season berth.
