Julio Rodríguez Embraces Veteran Role, Eyes Strong 2026 Season

This article looks at Julio Rodríguez’s fifth full MLB season with the Seattle Mariners. It focuses on his growing maturity, leadership, and a late-season surge that could shape Seattle’s push toward its first World Series—and maybe even carry momentum into 2026 after his World Baseball Classic (WBC) prep.

A Breakout Second Half Fueled by Maturity

Julio Rodríguez entered 2025 ready to prove he could take another step. He played 160 games and delivered his second career 30/30 season, which really shows just how durable and valuable he is on both sides of the ball.

The season’s biggest story? The wild split between a slow first half and a second half that caught fire, keeping Seattle in the thick of the playoff chase.

After the All-Star break, Rodríguez just took off. Starting July 11, he led Mariners hitters in RBIs (60) and hit .285/.349/.583 with a 0.932 OPS, launching 25 homers during that stretch.

He racked up a 3.8 fWAR by the end of the regular season, tying for the MLB lead with Geraldo Perdomo. It wasn’t just about the power—he kept showing up with big hits exactly when Seattle needed them.

Mariners president Jerry Dipoto pointed to Rodríguez’s maturity, saying that kind of late-season reliability made him a steadier, more impactful force. Rodríguez started to believe his best self is someone who mixes offense with leadership, helping teammates grind through a pennant race.

His personal growth really seems to line up with what Seattle wants as a franchise. They’re aiming to turn this talented core into a real championship threat. That “addicting” postseason experience is starting to shape who Rodríguez is, giving him a sharper sense of what it takes to play at a high level in October.

World Baseball Classic as a Springboard to 2026

The upcoming World Baseball Classic is shaping up to be more than just a diplomatic event. Rodríguez sees it as a legit chance to keep his late-season momentum rolling into a hot start for 2026.

His 2025 experience—especially those postseason games—should help him show up to Spring Training with a better idea of his strengths and what still needs work. Seattle’s window is open right now, and Rodríguez seems locked in on helping the club chase its first World Series run ever.

Key takeaways from Rodríguez’s season and what they might mean for the Mariners next year:

• Leadership and maturity — Rodríguez brought a veteran vibe down the stretch, and that should make a real difference for Seattle’s clubhouse and how the team handles pressure.
• Postseason pedigree — He played twelve postseason games in 2025, which should help him and the team adjust faster if they reach the playoffs again in 2026.
• Late-season power surge — After July 11, he hit .285/.349/.583 with 25 homers. That’s the kind of bat that can flip a game when it matters most.
• fWAR implications — He finished the regular season with a 3.8 fWAR, tied for the MLB lead. That’s a big deal for a team trying to stack wins.
• WBC as momentum — The tournament could give him a boost, letting him bring sharper timing and more confidence into spring training and the early season.

Rodríguez heads into his fifth season with Spring Training just ahead. The Mariners will count on his bat and his leadership. Seattle’s still chasing that first World Series, and Rodríguez—well, he’s right in the middle of it all.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Like it or not, J-Rod’s a veteran now: ‘You’re making me feel old’