Outfielder Julio Rodríguez made his presence felt throughout his rookie season in 2022 and helped guide the Seattle Mariners to their first playoff appearance in 21 years. On Monday, he was officially recognized for it.
As was expected, Rodríguez was named the American League’s Rookie of the Year on Monday night.
.@JRODshow44 had his whole family with him when he won AL Rookie of the Year 🥺🥺@Mariners | #SeaUsRise pic.twitter.com/COI9QbLvKD
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) November 14, 2022
Rodríguez won in a landslide, narrowly missing a unanimous victory. He earned 29 of 30 first place votes. Baltimore Orioles catcher, who received the other first place vote, finished in second place. Cleveland Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan finished in third. Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. and Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña rounded out the top five.
Jeremy Peña finished fifth in AL Rookie of the Year voting. I’m sure he will take his Gold Glove, ALCS and World Series MVPs instead. pic.twitter.com/DgpAGRWbG8
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) November 15, 2022
Baseball fans sent their congratulations to one of baseball’s budding superstars.
Ju Ju Julio Rodriguez is the AL rookie of the year. Well done
— Eno Sarris (@enosarris) November 14, 2022
He’s everything he could’ve possibly been and more. We’re so lucky to have Julio Rodriguez. https://t.co/STMBmhLWTf
— Mariner Muse (@MarinerMuse) November 14, 2022
Julio Rodriguez is going to be one of the all-time greats.
There. I said it.
What a pleasure to watch him this year. An absolute stud and I can’t wait to watch his career play out
— Ben Verlander (@BenVerlander) November 14, 2022
This is just the start for Julio Rodriguez.
He’s going to change baseball in Seattle forever.pic.twitter.com/HRJYZd2KRf
— Tyler Milliken ⚾️ (@tylermilliken_) November 15, 2022
I just said this out loud to my son. Him: “duh…” 🤣 @Marinershttps://t.co/YOEOoXB7C2
— Michelle Millman (@MichellMillman) November 15, 2022
Rodríguez hit .284/.345/.509 with 28 home runs 75 RBI and 84 runs scored in 511 at-bats and 560 plate appearances. He was also dangerous on the basepaths, as well, stealing 25 bases and getting caught only seven times. Rodríguez made the American League All-Star team and finished second in the Home Run Derby. In the semifinals, Rodríguez eliminated Pete Alonso, who was the two-time defending champion.
He made such a good impression as a rookie that, more than a month before the regular season ended, Rodríguez received a massive, potentially record-setting contract extension from the Mariners.
Rodríguez is the fifth Mariners player to win the prestigous award. He joins Alvin Davis (1984), Kazuhiro Sasaki (2000), Ichiro Suzuki (2001) and Kyle Lewis (2020).
