By Alex Fernandez Fernandez
The Seattle Mariners are good at guiding Big Show debutants to Rookie of the Year honors. The first to do so was Alvin Davis in 1984, a first baseman. Then they had to wait 16 years for Kazuhiro Sasaki and Ichiro Suzuki to come from Japan, and repeat with the award in consecutive seasons. This city in the state of Washington in the northwest of the country became a safe harbor for Asians.
Also a couple of seasons ago with the Covid-19 going on, Kyle Lewis returned to give the franchise a Rookie of the Year award.
And the curriculum is already being lengthened on this day with the appointment of the same in 2022 for Julio Rodríguez, but this time, awarded by the magazine baseball america. Preview of what could finally be the distinction in charge of the MLB itself.
The Dominican, who had his showcase with the final in the Home Run Derby of his first All-Star Game, held in Los Angeles, was very serious this season, although a few days ago he was taken to the disabled list.
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Baseball America highlighted the offensive line of the Dominican, who between June and July consecutively won the Rookie of the Month distinction, a clear sign of what was to come for the end of the season. His wood-in-hand performance is quite remarkable, he pushed for it to be named in this way by the publication. He has slashed .280/.342/.502, 27 home runs and 25 stolen bases for Seattle this year. He is part of a very exclusive 20-20 club.
“It’s just the 10th 20-20 season in Mariners history, accomplished by just five players: Ruppert Jones (1979), Phil Bradley (’85), Alex Rodriguez (1997-1999), Ken Griffey Jr. (1998- 99) and Mike Cameron (2001-2002)”, reports the MLB.com portal.
Recently her own MLB.com was the first to report on the extension deal between the player and the franchise.
“…a massive deal that guarantees the rookie $210 million in revenue, can hit a record $450 million and last from seven to 17 years after 2022, based on player and club options.”.
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And it is that the one from Quisqueya has it all at 21 years old. He’s remarkably quick, and since his break into the minors he’s shown his run-producing ability.
He is the second in home runs of the squad, with 27, only surpassed by Eugenio Suárez; He is third in RBIs with 73, in doubles with 24, and his OPS is .844, the highest on the team.
We will have to wait if the MLB directors finally opt for him as Rookie of the Year in the Big Top. His candidacy is more than strong.
Right now those from Seattle are waiting for him, hoping to compete for a Wild Card. They are only one victory away from the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League, as the Floridians rest as third in the Eastern Division of the young circuit.
