History of Julio Rodríguez in Timeline

Julio Rodríguez, nicknamed "J-Rod," is a Dominican professional baseball center fielder for the Seattle Mariners. He signed with the Mariners in 2017 and debuted in MLB in 2022. During his rookie season, he earned an All-Star selection, a Silver Slugger Award, and was named the American League Rookie of the Year.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1900: Four-Hit Games

In August 2023, Julio Rodríguez had 5 four-hit games, a feat that had not happened since 1900.

1901: MLB Record

From August 16 to 19, 2023, Rodríguez broke the MLB record for most hits in a four-game span with 17, the most since at least 1901.

1921: Four-Hit Games in a Month

In August 2023, Julio Rodríguez had 5 four-hit games; only Ty Cobb, with 6 such games in 1921, had more in a month.

1997: Hits in 10 Games

In August 2023, Rodríguez had 28 hits in 10 games, a number not reached since Kenny Lofton in 1997.

December 29, 2000: Julio Rodríguez Born

On December 29, 2000, Julio Yamel Rodríguez, later nicknamed "J-Rod", was born. He would become a professional baseball center fielder.

Others born on this day/year

2001: Mariners' Postseason Appearance

Julio Rodríguez led the Mariners to their first postseason appearance since 2001, ending the longest active playoff drought among major North American sports leagues at the time.

July 2017: International Free Agent Signing

In July 2017, at the age of 16, Julio Rodríguez signed as an international free agent with the Seattle Mariners, receiving a $1.75 million signing bonus.

2017: Signed with the Seattle Mariners

In 2017, Julio Rodríguez signed with the Seattle Mariners as an international free agent.

2018: Professional Debut

In 2018, Julio Rodríguez made his professional debut with the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League Mariners, batting .315/.404/.525 with notable statistics including nine triples and five home runs. He was also named a DSL mid-season All-Star and a Baseball America DSL All-Star. He ended the 2018 season with a foot injury.

2020: Olympic Medalist dating a 2020 Olympian

In September 2022, Julio Rodríguez began dating Jordyn Huitema who is also a 2020 Olympic medalist

2020: Suzuki as Throwing Partner

Julio Rodríguez and Ichiro Suzuki became throwing partners in 2020, when Suzuki was a Mariners special assistant.

2020: Summer Olympics

Julio Rodríguez played for the Dominican Republic national team in the 2020 Summer Olympics.

August 2021: Top Prospect Ranking

In August 2021, Julio Rodríguez was ranked as the best Mariners prospect and the second-best prospect in baseball by MLB.com.

April 4, 2022: Named Opening Day Center Fielder

On April 4, 2022, the Mariners named Julio Rodríguez their Opening Day center fielder.

September 2022: Began Dating Jordyn Huitema

In September 2022, Julio Rodríguez began dating Canadian professional soccer player and fellow 2020 Olympic medalist Jordyn Huitema.

2022: MLB Debut

In 2022, Julio Rodríguez made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut.

2022: All-Star Selection and Home Run Derby Participation

In 2022, Julio Rodríguez was selected for the MLB All-Star Game and participated in the Home Run Derby, where he hit 81 home runs but lost to Juan Soto in the final round. He also achieved 20 home runs and 20 steals in his first MLB season and became the first player to join the 25-25 club in his debut season. September 2022 was Rodríguez's best month, as he hit .394 with 7 home runs in 19 games.

January 2023: Donation to Hometown

In January 2023, Julio Rodríguez donated an ambulance to his hometown of Loma de Cabrera, which previously lacked one. He also donated baseball equipment and toys to children in his hometown.

April 7, 2023: Tiebreaking Home Run

On April 7, 2023, Julio Rodríguez hit a tiebreaking two-run home run against the Cleveland Guardians, becoming the fastest player in Mariners history to reach 30 home runs in 140 games.

2023: Performance and Awards

In 2023, Julio Rodríguez batted .275/.333/.485 with 32 home runs. He led the AL with 29 infield hits, was second with 180 hits, second with 37 stolen bases, third with 103 RBIs, and tied for third with 175 strikeouts. He won his second consecutive Silver Slugger Award and was a finalist for the AL Gold Glove Award in center field. He finished fourth place in AL Most Valuable Player voting.

2023: World Baseball Classic

Julio Rodríguez played for the Dominican Republic national team in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

2023: Contract Boost

Julio Rodríguez's new contract in 2023 boosted his salary from a minimum of $720,000 to $21 million, including a signing bonus.

July 16, 2024: Welcome to the J-Rod Show

On July 16, 2024, Fox Sports aired a documentary on Julio Rodríguez called "Welcome to the J-Rod Show" on FS1, following the 2024 MLB All-Star Game.

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2024: Mariners Commercial

In 2024, Julio Rodríguez appeared in a Mariners television commercial with Ichiro Suzuki.

2024: No Limits Foundation

In 2024, Julio Rodríguez created a personal foundation, the No Limits Foundation, which organized a toy drive for children in Loma de Cabrera and the Seattle area in late 2024.

2024: 20-20 Club and Ankle Sprain

In 2024, Julio Rodríguez had his worst offensive season, batting .273/.325/.409 with 20 home runs and 24 stolen bases. He and Bobby Witt Jr. became the first two players to have 20 home runs and 20 steals in their first three seasons of their MLB career. He missed several weeks in July and August after suffering a high ankle sprain crashing into the center field wall.