Julio Rodríguez was expected to be the face of the Mariners franchise. The star player who could lead Seattle to success. But as we approach the 2025 season opening date, local reporters and experts are expressing worries about his capacity to perform consistently. Rodríguez’s slow starts and prolonged slumps have become a troubling pattern, one that threatens to derail the Mariners’ postseason hopes once again.

Rodriguez faced challenges at the start of the last few seasons that have been widely discussed and documented. In 2023, he had a half hitting just .249/.310/.411. Then he picked up his performance in July and August. His struggles continued well into the next season, as his batting form only improved after the All-Star break. By the time he found his rhythm, Seattle had already squandered key games in the AL West race.

The Mariners’ fate rests on Julio Rodríguez

In a recent Foul Territory video posted on X Seattle, sports journalist Ryan Divish pointed out the impact of Julio Rodríguez’s struggles, saying, “Last year, it was more than just April and May. It was almost through the All-Star break. In 2023, he was a little bit better after June, and then he got really hot in July, and then August was absurd. But it took him so long to get going last year, you know, that it’s a problem.” This pattern has become a major obstacle for a Mariners offense that lacks firepower beyond Rodríguez.

The issue isn’t just about numbers—it’s about approach. Julio Rodríguez often enters the season looking to dominate, but as pitchers adjust, he begins to chase outside the zone. His strikeout rate soars and his elite power disappears. His habit of pulling the ball rather than hitting it to different parts of the field has been noted by many analysts, a flaw that former Mariners star Edgar Martínez has put in considerable effort to address.

The Mariners management team has made efforts to improve an offense that was among the weakest in the league in key areas last season. Their biggest addition, Mitch Haniger’s return, hardly moves the needle. Without major reinforcements, the burden falls on Rodríguez to perform at an elite level from day one.

His inconsistencies put Seattle in a precarious position. If he slumps, the team lacks the firepower to compensate. Opponents exploit his struggles, forcing the Mariners into low-scoring battles they can’t consistently win.

Julio Rodríguez’s late-season adjustments—focused on staying up the middle and improving two-strike discipline—offer hope. If he embraces that approach from Opening Day, Seattle’s offensive ceiling rises dramatically. But if he reverts to old habits, the Mariners could once again find themselves buried in the standings by June.

Why the Mariners can’t afford another slump

Seattle’s offensive strategy revolves heavily around Julio Rodríguez; when he encounters challenges on the field, it impacts the performance of the lineups detrimentally. The Mariners currently possess one of the weaker offenses compared to other teams vying for a playoff spot, and their recent offseason transactions have not significantly altered this fact. They ranked in the bottom third of MLB in key categories like batting average and on-base percentage last year, and without significant reinforcements, Rodríguez must carry the load from Opening Day. If he stumbles through April and May again, the Mariners could quickly fall behind in the AL West, where both the Rangers and Astros have the firepower to create an early-season gap in the standings.

Beyond the standings, a prolonged slump from Rodríguez could have a ripple effect on the clubhouse. When he’s locked in, his energy fuels the team, but when he presses at the plate, it spreads through the lineup. Seattle needs him to be not just a producer but also a tone-setter. The late-season adjustments he made with Edgar Martínez—focusing on staying up the middle and improving two-strike discipline—must carry over into 2025.

In the end, journalists and fans alike recognize the stakes. Julio Rodríguez doesn’t just need to be good—he needs to be great from the start. If he isn’t, Seattle’s window for contention may slam shut before it ever truly opens.