Mariners' Julio Rodriguez Named Top Center Fielder by MLB Network

The 25-year-old outfielder bounced back from a down 2024 season to have a standout 2025 campaign.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 11:31am

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MLB Network has selected Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez as the best center fielder in the league. After a disappointing 2024 season, Rodriguez rebounded in 2025, slashing .267/.324/.474 with 32 home runs. His strong performance was crucial to the Mariners' deep playoff run, where they reached the American League Championship Series before falling to the Toronto Blue Jays.

Why it matters

Rodriguez's recognition as the top center fielder by MLB Network validates his status as one of the brightest young stars in the game. After a down year, he proved he can bounce back and be a driving force for the Mariners, who are looking to build on their recent playoff success and make a push for their first World Series appearance in over 20 years.

The details

In 2025, Rodriguez saw a significant jump in his slugging percentage, going from .420 in 2024 to .474. This was largely due to him hitting 32 home runs, 12 more than the previous season. While his batting average and on-base percentage remained relatively steady, the increased power production earned Rodriguez some down-ballot MVP votes, as he finished sixth in the American League MVP race.

  • Rodriguez had a down year in 2024, hitting just 20 home runs.
  • In 2025, Rodriguez bounced back with a standout season, slashing .267/.324/.474 with 32 home runs.
  • The Mariners made it to the American League Championship Series in 2025 before falling to the Toronto Blue Jays.

The players

Julio Rodriguez

A 25-year-old center fielder for the Seattle Mariners who was named the best outfielder in the league by MLB Network after a standout 2025 season.

Jon Morosi

An analyst who believes Rodriguez is an early favorite to win the 2026 MVP award, stating that the young outfielder will "figure it all out" and continue to improve.

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What they’re saying

“I do think that [Rodriguez] will figure it out and start to put it all together. He's so talented, and he's still only 25. I know that we've talked about his age before; you look at the top prospects list, and there are some 23-year-olds on it. Julio's 25, and he has all this time already in the big leagues.”

— Jon Morosi, Analyst (Wyman and Bob)

What’s next

Rodriguez will play in the upcoming World Baseball Classic for the Dominican Republic.

The takeaway

Julio Rodriguez's recognition as the top center fielder in the league by MLB Network is a testament to his ability to bounce back from a down year and establish himself as one of the premier young talents in the game. The Mariners will look to build on his success as they aim to make their first World Series appearance in over two decades.