Julio Rodriguez Just Missed Making Elite MLB History
The Seattle Mariners are in a race for their postseason lives.
They currently sit outside the playoff picture, one game behind the Houston Astros in the Wild Card.
Also, they are three games behind the Texas Rangers for the division lead.
One player the Mariners have relied on all season has been star outfielder Julio Rodriguez.
He is having a fantastic second season and has helped lead the Mariners into playoff position.
On Thursday night, Rodriguez launched his 32nd home run over the fence.
That also happened to be the 60th home run of his career.
According to ESPN Stats & Info, Rodriguez became the second-fastest player to reach 60 home runs and 60 steals.
He reached those numbers in 284 games, second to Eric Davis who did it in 276.
With his HR last night, Julio Rodríguez reached 60 career HR and 60 stolen bases in 284 games, the 2nd-fewest in MLB history.
The only player to get there in fewer games was Eric Davis (276). pic.twitter.com/mlKg88R3aH
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) September 29, 2023
Rodriguez has been nothing but awesome in his short MLB career.
He won Rookie of the Year last season and has improved in many key stats.
Rodriguez has increased his totals in hits, home runs, steals, and RBI.
Even at the age of 22, he has proven to be one of the best players in baseball.
He is one of four players to achieve a 30-30 season this year.
For Seattle to clinch a spot in the playoffs, they will need their star outfielder to be at his best over the final three games.
Rodriguez has once again played himself into MVP contention this year.
Last year he finished seventh.
It seems possible he could finish in the top five this year.
Seattle has a bright future with Rodriguez leading the team for many years to come.
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