Can Julio’s Bat Support This Mariners Offense?

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Daniel Graham | Last updated Mar 9, 2026 10:22 AM ET

Since his debut in 2022 and winning the AL Rookie of the Year award, Julio Rodriguez has been a MLB star. Helping start this winning mentality in the Mariners organization that hasn’t been seen or felt in 25 years. The Mariners have always been a streaky team. When they are hot they are on fire, and when they are cold it can be tough to watch. How does this year’s Julio affect that?

First-Half vs Second-Half

Over his impressive career, Rodriguez is known for having very split halves in his seasons. He usually has a very slow start to every season, then turning into an MVP-caliber second-half. Just last season, in his first-half, he had just a 109 wRC+. Then, after the All-Star break posted a 146 wRC+ with 11 home runs in 36 games. Julio has a career second-half OPS of .904 with a .298 average. Showing how impressive he really can be and has proven to be. The only thing holding him back is this slow start and dealing with consistency.

J-ROD FOR THE LEAD! #ALCS pic.twitter.com/OTaxZJtdJJ

— MLB (@MLB) October 21, 2025

Roster Difference

In past seasons, the Mariners haven’t always had star-studded lineups, especially on the offensive side. This year, the best part is (hopefully) Seattle won’t have to rely on one single person’s bat. The roster is now full of offensive weapons. With Josh Naylor at first for some added power and gives you somehow all those stolen bases. You have Randy Arozarena in left and a platoon of good bats to play right. The infield added Brendan Donovan, who is an on-base machine to lead off. Can’t forget the young guys that will be playing second base who have a lot of potential. And of course, Cal Raleigh coming off of an MVP like season, hitting 60 home runs.

Does Julio have to support this offense?

The short answer is no, he doesn’t. The biggest thing however, is that he can. It has been asked every season, “Is this gonna be Julio’s MVP-like season?”. Julio Rodriguez having a consistent producing season can be the piece the Seattle Mariners need to finally get them to the World Series. If he can just play his first half of the season even comparable to his usual second-half then that can incredibly boost this team. Even has the ability to add important wins to the record on his impact alone. With this roster, he doesn’t have to put so much stress on himself to try and prove anything to this team or city. He doesn’t have to try and win by himself, this team can do it with him.

Why The Mariners Need Him

In 2022 the Seattle Mariners signed Julio Rodriguez to a 12-year contract extension. Making him the face of the franchise up until 2034 with options to extend his stay until possibly 2039. There is no question that he is a star in this league. The reality that his full potential for a season hasn’t been reached is crazy to think about. If there is anytime that this team needs him, it is this year. Coming up just one game short of the World Series, there is no doubt Seattle is pulling out all the stops. Everyone has slumps in the MLB, sometimes teams just struggle. Rodriguez needs to be the person to keep the ship afloat if this team hits a rough patch.

(Top Image Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images)

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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