Seattle Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez celebrates after scoring a run against the Athletics on Aug. 24 at T-Mobile Park. Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images

Seattle Mariners Outfielder Has Been Among Most Valuable Players at His Position

Originally posted on Seattle Mariners on SI
By Teren Kowatsch | Last updated Aug 29, 2025 7:11 PM ET

The Seattle Mariners are firmly entrenched in the American League playoff picture and are attempting to make their second postseason berth since 2022.

In the Mariners' last playoff appearance in 2022, and every season since, center fielder Julio Rodriguez played a massive role.

Rodriguez earned a nod of confidence from the front office in his American League Rookie of the Year-winning season, and signed a 14-year, $210 million contract extension. Since then, he's been one of the most valuable players in baseball.

Rodriguez leads all American League center fielders with a 5.2 bWAR (Baseball Reference Wins Above Replacement) and a 4.2 fWAR (FanGraphs Wins Above Replacement). According to a pregame note shared by Mariners PR on "X," Rodriguez has ranked second or led AL center fielders in both bWAR and fWAR in three of his four major league seasons. Those seasons have coincided with his three All-Star selections (2022-23, '25).

Julio Rodríguez has been in the top 2 among AL center fielders in both fWAR and bWAR in 3 out of his 4 seasons (2022-23, '25).

Game Notes:
— Mariners PR (@MarinersPR) August 29, 2025

Entering Friday, Rodriguez has scored 86 runs in 133 games and has hit 24 doubles, four triples and 25 home runs with 73 RBIs. He's slashed .263/.316/.458 with a .774 OPS. He's stolen 24 bases in 30 attempts.

Rodriguez has been plagued with slow starts in the first four years of his major league career, but has balanced it out with hot second halves. Since the July 31 MLB trade deadline, Rodriguez has scored 16 times in 25 games and has hit six doubles, a triple and six homers with 17 RBIs. He's slashed .297/.336/.554 with an .891 OPS.

Julio Rodriguez was 3/4 today with his 25th home run. His second 30/30 season is within reach.

JRod is slugging .667 in August! pic.twitter.com/50UX4v7n13
— Prospects Live (@ProspectsLive) August 21, 2025

Rodriguez and Seattle entered Friday with a 72-62 record on the seasons, trailed the Houston Astros by two games in the AL West and held the final AL wild card spot by three games over the Kansas City Royals.

This article first appeared on Seattle Mariners on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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