Mariners manager Dan Wilson discusses Julio Rodriguez’s success

We spoke with Dan Wilson about Julio Rodriguez’s recent turnaround for the Mariners, as well as what makes him such a special player.

The turnaround by the Seattle Mariners has been quite the sight to behold, since Dan Wilson came in as manager. With a record of 20-13 entering Sunday’s regular season finale, one can only wonder what could have happened if he had replaced Scott Servais sooner?

The number one benefit of Wilson coming on board, has been the vast improvement of the lineup. From being one of the very worst offenses in the Majors, a more simplified hitting philosophy has helped the lineup become one of the best.

Consider that for the month of September (heading into the final game of the regular season), the Mariners are first in the American League in home runs, doubles and stolen bases, as well as second in hits and walks. And most importantly of all, they are first in runs scored.

J-Rod stepping up for the Mariners

It should come as no surprise that leading the offensive charge, has been a rejuvenated Julio Rodriguez. During September he leads all AL players in hits and total bases, is tied-first in RBI, tied-second in home runs, and tied-second in fWAR?.

This is quite the turnaround from Rodriguez, who struggled during the first half of the 2024 season. To say this was disappointing would be an understatement, after what he achieved during an impressive first two campaigns in the Majors.

At least the two-time All-Star is now back on track, highlighted by being named Al Player of the Week for Sept. 16-22. (The first Mariner to receive the award this year no less.) In addition, his turnaround has seen him now become just the second player in Major League history to hit 20 home runs and steal 20 bases in each of his first three seasons.

What’s behind Rodriguez’s improved play?

Given these recent performances from Rodriguez, we spoke to Wilson and asked him what has stood out most about the 23-year-old’s improved play. He said:

“I think in terms of his turnaround, what has been really impressive is his ability to hit to all of the field. When you look, he’s able to drive the ball. He’s able to drive the ball to left field on his pull side, but he’s also able to drive out to right field.”

Effectively, what Mariners fans have seen, is Rodriguez displaying the whole array of his hitting arsenal. As Wilson added:

“When he’s at his best, he’s using the whole field and driving the ball to all parts of the field and that’s been a big part of what he’s been able to do here later on in the season.”

Making his mark on Mariners and Major League history

Of historical significance, Rodriguez’s 15.8 WAR is the fourth-most by a center fielder through the first three seasons of their Major League career. In case you’re curious -we’re sure you are — the three center fielders in question are Mike Trout, Joe DiMaggio and Oscar Charleston.

Closer to home, Rodriguez’s WAR is actually ahead of a certain Ken Griffey Jr., who had a 15.6 WAR through the first three seasons of his own career. Still with the Mariners specifically, Rodriguez’s WAR only trails Ichiro Suzuki’s 16.9 WAR through three seasons.

We don’t want to compare Rodriguez to Griffey Jr. – no one deserves that type of pressure or expectation. However, there is no disputing the 2022 AL Rookie of the Year has what it takes, to become a Mariners legend in his own right.

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A special player

In this respect, we asked Wilson what makes Rodriguez so special? He said:

“I think Julio is a special player, because he’s able to be defensively and offensively, pretty exceptional. And we’ve seen him make so many great catches in the outfield and do so many great things with the bat. When you’re a guy who can contribute on both ends of the ball, that’s something very special and Julio’s been able to do that.”

When it comes down to it, it really does feel as if Rodriguez is only scratching the surface of what he’s truly capable of. If so, Mariners fans hopefully have a lot to look forward to in the coming years.

What’s your prediction for the kind of year Rodriguez will have in 2025? Will it be similarly inconsistent like this year, closer to his first two Major League campaigns, or will he take his game to a new level? Let us know in the comments section below.