Julio Rodriguez made history Sunday by becoming the first player in Major League Baseball to achieve over 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases in each of his first four seasons. Playing for the Seattle Mariners against the Texas Rangers, Rodriguez hit two two-run homers, including his 100th career home run, and stole his 21st base of the season. Jorge Polanco contributed with a solo home run, and shortstop JP Crawford also homered against Rangers pitcher Jacob DeGrom. Despite the Rangers scoring three runs off Mariners starter Logan Evans, Seattle held on to win 5-4, with their bullpen securing the victory and their 25th save of the season.
Fan Take: Julio Rodriguez’s milestone highlights the exciting blend of power and speed that is increasingly defining baseball’s new generation of stars. His consistent performance early in his career promises to keep fans engaged and could inspire a renewed focus on multifaceted athleticism in the sport.
