History of Julio Rodríguez in Timeline

Julio Rodríguez, known as "J-Rod", is a Dominican professional baseball center fielder for the Seattle Mariners, debuting in MLB in 2022. Signed as an international free agent in 2017, he quickly rose to prominence, earning the American League Rookie of the Year Award, a Silver Slugger Award, and an All-Star selection in his first season. Rodríguez has since achieved three All-Star appearances and secured two Silver Slugger Awards, marking him as a key player for the Mariners.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1900: Five Four-Hit Games

During a 10-game stretch in August 2023, Julio Rodríguez had 5 four-hit games, a feat that had not happened since 1900.

1901: Hit 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 August

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: 28 Hits in 10 Games

In August 2023, Julio 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 player.

Others born on this day/year

2001: Mariners' Playoff Appearance

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

July 2017: Signed with Seattle Mariners

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

2017: Signed with the 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 and earning All-Star recognition before a foot injury ended his season.

2018: Interviews in English

In 2018, Julio began conducting interviews with reporters in English, rather than his native Spanish.

2019: Minor League Season

In 2019, Julio Rodríguez started with the Class-A West Virginia Power, missed time due to a fractured hand, was promoted to Class A-Advanced Modesto Nuts, played in the Arizona Fall League (AFL), and was named an AFL Rising Star.

2020: Throwing Partners

In 2020, Julio Rodriguez and Ichiro Suzuki became throwing partners.

2020: Workout Injury and Winter League

In 2020, Julio Rodríguez broke his left wrist during a workout in July after the minor league season was canceled, and he later participated in the Dominican winter league and began speed training with Yo Murphy.

2020: Summer Olympics

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

February 2021: Mather's Comments and Resignation

In February 2021, Mariners president Kevin Mather made negative comments about Julio Rodríguez's English, which Rodríguez responded to on Twitter. Mather resigned the next day.

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.

2021: Position Change

In 2021, Julio Rodriguez did not steal more than 10 bases in a season before.

2021: Olympics

In 2021, Julio Rodríguez performed well at the Olympics in Tokyo, hitting .417 with a 1.069 OPS. He helped the Dominican Republic win their first medal in baseball, a bronze.

2021: Qualifying Tournaments

In 2021, Julio Rodríguez played in two qualifying tournaments for the Dominican Republic national team before the Olympics and performed exceptionally well.

April 4, 2022: Opening Day Center Fielder

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

2022: Silver Slugger and Rookie of the Year

In 2022, Julio Rodríguez batted .284/.345/.509 with notable statistics, led AL outfielders in range factor per game and errors, won the Silver Slugger Award, and was named AL Rookie of the Year.

2022: MLB Debut

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

2022: All-Star and 20-20 Club

In 2022, Julio Rodríguez was selected for the MLB All-Star Game, participated in the Home Run Derby, and achieved 20 home runs and 20 steals, making him the sixth Mariner to join the 20-20 club and the fourth in MLB history to do so in his debut season. He also joined the 25-25 club in his debut season.

April 7, 2023: Tiebreaking Home Run and Record

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: Second Silver Slugger Award

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 performance

In 2023, Julio Rodríguez played in the World Baseball Classic, where he had a tough time, going 5-for-18 with one double and nine strikeouts. He had a difficult game against Puerto Rico, misplaying a line drive but also making an outfield assist.

2023: Topps Baseball Cards

In 2023, Julio Rodríguez was featured on the packaging and advertising of Topps baseball cards.

2023: J-Rod Squad

In 2023, the Mariners started a fan section for Rodríguez, called the "J-Rod Squad," in three sections behind him in center field.

2023: Salary Increase

In August 2022, Julio Rodríguez signed a long-term contract extension with Seattle that boosted his 2023 salary from a minimum of $720,000 to $21 million, including a signing bonus.

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

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: 20-20 seasons

In 2024, Julio Rodríguez and Bobby Witt Jr. became the first two players to have 20 home runs and 20 steals in the first three seasons of their MLB career. He batted .273/.325/.409 with 20 home runs and 24 stolen bases.