Seattle Mariners phenom Julio Rodriguez is turning heads for sure. But getting praised publicly by a legend like Kevin Durant? That’s taking it to just another level. The two-time NBA champ was talked highly of Rodriguez, drawing comparisons between him and the Mariners’ $209 million star.

It’s easy to see why.

Rodriguez has been a force to be reckoned with ever since he joined. In his first two seasons, he got himself the AL Rookie of the Year award, two All-Star appearances, and a Silver Slugger. His fast rise is strikingly similar to that of Durant’s own entry to the NBA, who won the Rookie of the Year in 2007, followed by all-star and then went on to cement his name as one of basketball’s greatest players.

No wonder Durant sees a glimpse of his younger self in Rodriguez. The same growth and the respect he is earning so early on.

“He’s a young guy in the league, building his name; his rep. Gaining respect from a lot of fans around the world,” said Durant when asked about who he feels is the KD of baseball.

Well, his assessment isn’t wrong! Rodriguez has the fans’ respect and also of his fellow baseball players.

Dominican players like Fernando Tatis Jr. and Juan Soto have all acknowledged Rodriguez’s potential. From Seattle Mariners, even Luis Castillo had spoken highly of the star. And with 2025 marking Rodriguez’s fourth season, the expectations are only rising.

And as far as Durant’s admiration of Rodriguez goes, this isn’t new.

During the 2023 Home Run Derby, the NBA star was mesmerized by Rodriguez’s performance. And since then, they have built a good bond. Just a month back, the duo were spotted before spring training.

This love, respect, and admiration go both ways, with Rodriguez also visiting the Phoenix Suns and cheering Kevin Durant on.

At their core, both have very similar stories. They left home to chase their dreams and earn their place among the best. Durant has already become a legend and cemented his legacy. Now, the question is—can the young Seattle Mariner star follow that suit?

Julio Rodriguez and the Seattle Mariners might surprise everyone

Right now being a fan of the Seattle Mariners isn’t for the faint of heart. This is a franchise that has seen more lows than highs. But here is the thing about baseball—it can surprise even the best of people.

Now nearly 20 spring training games in, the Mariners are showing hope that the new season brings new chances. Jeff Passan, who visited the team’s camp in Peoria, told Brock and Salk that he is now thinking Seattle may have what it takes to even win AL West. And a huge part of the reason—Julio Rodriguez.

Rodriguez has already established himself as an electric player. He has the speed, power, and that star presence. And even in what others would call his down year, he managed to hit  .273 with 20 home runs and 24 stolen bases. Not bad for a so-called slump, eh?

But the Mariners need more if they want their World Series hopes to come to reality. And they need Julio Rodriguez to be the player he was.

This spring, Rodriguez is putting in some tough numbers with a .853 OPS, three doubles, and two home runs across 25 at-bats. This is what Seattle wants!

Plus, they have a new Manager, Dan Wilson!

Yeah! Plenty of sparks this season.

Now it isn’t just sheer optimism, because according to FanDuel, the Mariners are sitting at -110 odds to make the playoffs. They are ahead of even the Twins and Tigers!

Seattle has broken their playoff drought in 2022. Do you think this time, they can make their way to the World Series?