Julio Rodríguez reflected on the Mariners' near postseason miss after finishing just outside the American League Wild Card standings for the second consecutive year. He expressed a strong desire to be part of the action next season, having watched the postseason closely. Rodríguez highlighted the team’s improvement after a mid-season managerial change and praised the impact of temporary hitting coach Edgar Martinez on both him and the team, leading to a strong finish in 2023.

By the Numbers
  • The Mariners went 21-13 after replacing manager Scott Servais on August 22.
  • Rodríguez had a .313 batting average with a .902 OPS in the final stretch, hitting nine of his 20 homers.
Yes, But

Despite a promising finish, concerns about consistency remain, as the team must maintain performance over a full season. The Mariners have yet to finalize their coaching staff for next season, adding uncertainty to Rodríguez's plans for development under Martinez.

State of Play
  • Rodríguez is currently in Tampa, Florida, training for the upcoming season.
  • The Mariners are in the process of evaluating their coaching staff and future strategies.
What's Next

Fans can expect Rodríguez to build on his strong finish in 2024, as he aims to lead the Mariners back to contention. Continued collaboration with Edgar Martinez could play a crucial role in his and the team's development.

Bottom Line

Rodríguez's commitment to improving and the Mariners' recent momentum suggest a potentially strong 2024 season ahead. Emphasizing team unity and effective leadership will be key to turning aspirations into a playoff appearance.