Mariners' Julio Rodríguez has exactly the right inspiration for 2nd half surge

The All-Star break often offers players a brief chance to recharge, but for Julio Rodríguez, it was more of a reset. After being selected as an All-Star for the third time in just four seasons, the Seattle Mariners’ center fielder made a surprising decision. Instead of suiting up for the Midsummer Classic and basking in the national spotlight, Rodríguez chose to step away for some much-needed time off.

It might have been the best decision he’s made all year.

“Just exactly what I needed,” Rodríguez told MLB.com’s Daniel Kramer ahead of the Mariners’ second-half opener, a resounding 6-1 win over the Houston Astros. “I feel like I needed a mental break and to get my body in the right spot. And I feel I achieved that, and I’m ready to go.”

That should be music to the ears of Mariners fans — and a warning shot to the rest of the American League.

Julio Rodríguez’s Midseason Reset Could Change the Mariners’ Season

Rodríguez’s slow starts are nothing new. Since his rookie campaign in 2022, the 24-year-old has had a knack for flipping the switch after the calendar hits July. But this year, the pressure and scrutiny surrounding his sluggish first half were louder than ever. Some fans even questioned his long-term upside. 

But history has taught us to not count Julio out. In fact, he’s already begun his annual rampage. Dating back to the final series before the break, Rodríguez has gone 9-for-28 with five extra-base hits, seven RBIs, and 10 runs scored. A small sample size, sure. But the signs are unmistakable — Julio is heating up.

He’s not doing it alone either. Cal Raleigh, arguably the best catcher in baseball right now, has quietly become more than just a power source in the middle of the order. He’s turning into a resource. Rodríguez and Raleigh have spent more time together in recent weeks, working closely with hitting coaches Kevin Seitzer and Bobby Magallanes on their mechanics that have paid massive dividends.

A deceptively simple tee exercise where the ball is set chest-high. It’s the same routine Raleigh adopted during Spring Training, designed to improve his vertical path through the ball and promote better elevation using his back leg. The results have been undeniable.

Now Rodríguez is using the same drill, and it’s already showing up in games.

“He’s starting to feel it,” said Seitzer. “Same swing plane we worked on with Cal. He’s staying vertical, letting that back leg drive, and you’re starting to see the carry on the baseball again.”

With Raleigh in the midst of a career year and Rodríguez rediscovering his groove, the Mariners may finally have the thunderous 1-2 punch they envisioned when the season began. And timing couldn’t be better.