With a clutch home run against the Angels on Monday night, Mariners star Julio Rodríguez etched his name among an elite group of sluggers as the latest member of the 30–30 club.
Rodríguez, who was presented pre-game with an August American League Player of the Month award, continued his strong campaign by becoming the 44th player in MLB history to record 30 or more home runs and stolen bases in a single season.
Entering the contest with 36 stolen bases on the year, the two-time All-Star achieved the feat with a 402-foot, two-run bomb in the 10th inning for his 30th homer. At age 22, Rodríguez’s impressive accomplishment now makes him the fourth player to have a 30-30 season at age 22 or younger, joining Ronald Acuña Jr., Mike Trout and ex-Mariners star Alex Rodriguez.
JULIO TIES IT AND JOINS THE 30/30 CLUB!
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) September 12, 2023
ELECTRIC pic.twitter.com/GE7k6TnCY5
While the Mariners would go on to lose the extra-inning affair, 8–5, Rodríguez’s big night—four hits in five at-bats—managed to stand out as a bright spot on the evening.
Following Monday’s loss, the Mariners (79–65) are now a half game behind the Rangers for the AL’s final wild card spot, though MVP candidate Rodríguez figures to remain a hot topic around the league with his second season coming to a close.
