40 in 40: Julio Rodríguez
An Ode to Joy
At the end, all we have is joy.
Many before have — and many after will — asked the question “what is the meaning of life?” I don’t intend for this article on but a humble volcano blog to finally answer the question completely, but I can suggest an answer: spending joyous moments with cherished friends.
The vast majority of all humanity has been forgotten, their names and deeds lost to history. But, we can be sure that they lived. They loved, fought, laughed, cried, and smiled like the rest of us. And in an arbitrary world, where concrete and steel are as fleeting as the wind on a summer’s afternoon, we can take the greatest pleasure in laughter and smiles.
Julio Rodríguez is a man seemingly made of laughter and smiles for summer afternoons. From the moment he joined the team in 2022, it’s been Julio’s world. Despite the pressure and expectations of the fans, the front office, and himself, Julio has maintained a constant love for the game of baseball. It is impossible to spend any amount of time watching him play and not get swept up in that joy with him.
The baseball season is a slog, and we all saw Julio get ground down by it last year, especially in the doldrums of July and August as the Mariners lost their 10 game lead faster than any team in modern MLB history. But even through the depths, we knew it was temporary.
And indeed it was. As the M’s, and Julio especially, seemed to heat up again, there was Julio’s smile, just as broad and unapologetic as always. With the additions of Víctor Robles and Randy Arozarena in the outfield, Julio finds himself at the center of perhaps the most exciting outfield trio in the league. For a player like him, who thrives on vibes and positive relationships with his teammates, there is nothing better.
So as the weather here in Seattle steadily starts to improve, and we collectively shake ourselves free of seasonal depression, we turn our heads once again towards T-Mobile Park, towards the steadfast smile in center field. And that smile becomes our own.
Projections:
Fangraphs Depth Chart: 679 PA, 135 wRC+, 6.1 fWAR, .278/.337/.472
PECOTA: 628 PA, 115 DRC+, 4.2 WARP, 256/.313/.421
Overs/Unders:
Zach: Over
There’s a line toward the end of John Mulaney’s Baby J, where he’s talking about the perspective he gained from recovering from the drug addictions that almost took his life. “What are you going to do? Cancel John Mulaney?” He asks. “I’ll f***ing kill him.” There’s a freedom that comes from having stared what’s-the-worst-that-could-happen in the face. I’m hopeful that Julio’s 2024 season gave him some of that perspective and might help ease his psychic burden. He was visibly different out there for most of last year from the wellspring of joy we saw when the going was good. Maybe he gets back to his old self and the results follow.
Eric: Over
Incredibly apt reference by ZAM above there. You can’t kill what’s already dead. There’s nowhere to go but up for a player of Julio’s caliber and mental resilience. I believe he still has an extremely bright career ahead of him and we are fortunate for that.
Kate: Over
For as much as the Mariners left the infield to be manned by a bunch of giant question marks, they addressed the outfield in-season last year and got a trio of good friends to boot. Julio, flanked by Victor and Randy, has to shoulder less of the load offensively, but with a second center fielder in Robles, he also has to shoulder less of the defensive load. There’s a stable outfield group now rather than the Mariners continually throwing utility players or Triple A callups or a shambling Jesse Winker to Julio’s left and right, and the fact that those two players happen to be players who share Julio’s language and values is only more helpful.
