5 Bright Spots From the Mariners 2023 Season

Given the Mariners' unfortunate last-second elimination from playoff contention, it can be easy to focus on the negatives. However, there was actually a lot to be happy about over the 162-game regular season.

Texas Rangers v Seattle Mariners
Texas Rangers v Seattle Mariners | Steph Chambers/GettyImages
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Mariners Bright Spot #5: Julio Rodriguez Continues to be Exceptional

Julio Rodriguez did not play as well as he did last year. Rather than being a statement about regression or a sophomore slump, it speaks more to how spectactular his rookie year was than anything else. Despite going from a .853 OPS in 2022 to .818 OPS in 2023, Rodriguez still managed to hit 32 home runs while stealing 37 bases, becoming just the 44th player in history to accomplish such a feat.

During his reign of terror in August where his OPS swelled to 1.198 for the month, he also became the first player since 1900 to record five four-hit games in a ten-game span. He also set a record by accumulating 17 hits in just four games, a statistic that doesn't even seem real. Finally, he set a record for most home runs hit in the derby in a single round, not that it really matters.

Alongside his bat, his glove was equally as impressive, helping him record 12 Outs Above Average, landing him in the 97th percentile for the stat. Combined with his arm strength, his fielding run value of nine was better than 91% of major-leaguers.

He's a complete, five-tool player and one of the most exciting young talents to watch in the sport, and Mariners fans get to enjoy seeing him represent Seattle for years to come.

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