MLB Makes Julio Rodriguez Announcement

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Jan 22, 2026 5:47 PM ET

The Seattle Mariners took a major step forward as a franchise in 2025, coming just one win short of their first-ever World Series appearance. Although the season ended in heartbreak, optimism remains high in Seattle, with the club’s core locked into team-friendly deals that provide stability for years to come.

At the center of those plans is Julio Rodriguez, the 25-year-old superstar outfielder who signed a 12-year, $209 million extension to remain the face of the franchise in 2022.

Rodriguez has continued to take strides as a leader alongside catcher Cal Raleigh, fully meeting expectations through his first four seasons.

His individual accolades already include an American League Rookie of the Year Award, three All-Star selections and two Silver Sluggers.

Seattle Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez (44)© Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

In 2025, Rodriguez appeared in 160 games and showcased his complete skillset. He posted a .267 batting average, .324 on-base percentage and .798 OPS, while adding 32 home runs and 30 stolen bases. His production earned him a third career top-10 finish in AL MVP voting, further cementing his standing as one of the league’s premier talents.

Recognition has followed Rodriguez throughout his career, and this offseason was no different. MLB Network announced its annual Top 100 Players Right Now list, placing Rodriguez at No. 16.

The Mariners highlighted the achievement on social media, noting his consistent presence in the top 25 every season of his career.

“Julio Rodriguez lands at #16 on @MLBNetwork’s Top 100 Players Right Now. @JRODshow44 has ranked in the Top 25 after each of his 4 Major League seasons: #16, #10, #23 and #16, respectively,” the team wrote on X. Rodriguez’s placement was also featured in MLB’s official announcement.

The defending champs have three players ranked inside Nos. 20-11 on @MLBNetwork’s #Top100RightNow pic.twitter.com/aZHGMAuEcV
— MLB (@MLB) January 22, 2026

For Seattle, Rodriguez’s continued rise represents more than individual accolades. It underscores the foundation of a roster built to contend and the promise of unfinished business in the years ahead.

The Mariners’ offseason has been eventful as postseason hero Jorge Polanco left Seattle for the New York Mets and third baseman Eugenio Suarez remains unsigned.

The front office has focused on minor league signings aimed at bolstering organizational flexibility. The Mariners still need another impact bat to fully support Rodriguez and Raleigh, especially after last year’s late-season shortcomings.

With the core intact and the front office active, Seattle’s challenge is converting momentum into sustained success, ensuring that Rodriguez’s prime years coincide with a roster capable of finally breaking through to the World Series.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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