Julio Rodríguez Aims for a Stronger 2025 Season After Struggles Last Year
Seattle Mariners star Julio Rodríguez endured an up-and-down 2024 season, starting slow before rebounding significantly during the second half. Despite improved performance as the season drew to a close, Rodríguez faced considerable challenges, ending the year with career-low statistics, including a decline in home run percentage to 3.3% and increased strikeout percentage reaching 25.4% compared to 2023.
One major reason for his struggles was his tendency to chase pitches outside the strike zone. This inconsistency led him to miss valuable opportunities at the plate. Enter Kevin Seitzer, the new hitting coach for the Mariners, tasked with refining Rodríguez's hitting approach. Seitzer, famed for developing talents like Ronald Acuña Jr., Austin Riley, and Ozzie Albies during his successful tenure with the Atlanta Braves, brings experience to the role.
During an interview on Seattle Sports' “Brock & Salk LIVE,” Seitzer candidly discussed Rodríguez's chase issues, pointing out the player’s need for fine-tuning. “My focus is to continue to build off the path, the direction Edgar [Martínez] put him on at the end of the season because he finished really strong. He’s been a swing guy, he’s been a chase guy, but he’s also been a damage guy,” Seitzer noted. Seitzer emphasized the challenges young players face as they transition to Major League Baseball, highlighting how pitchers adjust their strategies as they learn to exploit hitters’ weaknesses.
Rodríguez made waves when he first stepped onto the big league stage, but as his popularity surged, so did the scrutiny from opposing pitchers. Seitzer compared Rodríguez's situation to other young stars he has mentored, explaining the often-difficult adjustments they face. “When he [Rodríguez] came up crashing on the scene, all of a sudden, pitchers started making adjustments. Sometimes hitters try and make the wrong adjustments,” he remarked, noting the importance of maintaining consistency and clear batting plans.
Addressing chase issues is, of course, no small feat. Yet, Seitzer cautioned against completely eliminating those aggressive swings. “Guys are gonna have chase. That chase is part of this game because of the electric pitching we see nowadays,” he articulated, admitting the challenge presented by hitting against high-velocity pitches and late-breaking balls. Striking the right balance between chasing and maintaining plate discipline is key. He added, “If you get on hitters too much about not chasing, then you make them late on 90% of the fastballs they see.” Seitzer encouraged Rodríguez to aim for consistency, urging him to adopt a middle-to-opposite-field mindset at the plate to improve his vision and timing.
Heading out for Spring Training, Rodríguez is determined to rediscover his All-Star form. He aims to maximize his plate appearances during the training season, which began recently with positive early signs. The two-time All-Star registered his first hit of Spring Training against the Los Angeles Dodgers, signaling progress as he gears up for the regular season.
The Mariners' management closely watches Rodríguez's development, counting on him to lead their offensive charge as they work toward securing postseason success after narrowly missing out last year. “With Kevin Seitzer’s guidance and a renewed approach, Julio Rodríguez is open to bouncing back following his struggles and returning to form as he strives for greatness.”
Overall, Rodríguez’s tenacity and the insights from his seasoned hitting coach lay the groundwork for what could potentially be a breakout 2025 season, one where his batting crown returns stronger than ever.