Seattle Mariners: Dipoto teases Julio Rodriguez on Ken Griffey Jr. path

Sure, Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez had a fantastic debut in 2022, earning American League Rookie of the Year honors and plenty of love for his performance in the Home Run Derby. However, Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto believes the 22-year-old outfielder could also be on a trajectory to join an elite group in the franchise’s history, including Ken Griffey Jr.

Jerry Dipoto believes Julio Rodriguez could be among most iconic Seattle Mariners players

In an interview on Audacy’s Baseball Isn’t Boring podcast, Dipoto mentioned Rodriguez along with other former Mariners greats as a potential for where things could go in the second-year player’s time in the Pacific Northwest.

“I venture to guess right now when you look at the Mariners, depending on your era, we’ve had some really iconic players,” Dipoto said. “Guys like Ichiro and Ken Griffey Jr. and Edgar Martinez, Felix. I think Julio has all of that to be among that group if his career goes as it could.”

Rodriguez is coming off a season where he slashed .284/.345/.509 in 560 plate appearances, with 28 homers, 75 RBI, 25 stolen bases, and an OPS+ of 147. His 6.2 bWAR led the Mariners last season as Seattle made the postseason for the first time since 2001.

Dipoto also talked about how the Mariners believed quickly in the power of Rodriguez to make a difference, inking him to a long-term extension even though he had yet to finish a full Major League season.

“It’s about age. It’s about talent. It’s about where he is in his career arc and where we are on our win arc. It’s also about the personality and the way he connects with fans, the way he connects with teammates,” Dipoto said.

You can listen to the entire interview below, where Dipoto not only talks about Rodriguez and his future in Seattle, but also how Jarred Kelenic fits into Seattle’s plans in 2023 and beyond.