Seattle Mariners' Star Makes Swing Adjustment Headed into 2024
Seattle Mariners' star Julio Rodriguez has reportedly made changes to his set up and swing heading into the 2024 season.
Daniel Kramer of MLB.com had the information:
Peer closer and there’s less nuance to Rodríguez’s setup in the box -- specifically, having toned down the slight crouch he takes after a pitcher releases the ball and he gets into the hitting position. Rodríguez said those were self-recognized going into the winter then installed this offseason with help from his personal hitting instructor, Osvaldo Diaz.
“You're going to start noticing some differences throughout,” Rodríguez said. “But I feel like those were some of the things that I tried cleaning up. Just to make sure that I don't have as much movement. I'm a big guy, I don't need to do a lot to be able to drive the ball.”
It sounds as if Rodriguez will stay more straight up through the entirety of the swing, which will cause less movement for his eyes and allow him to track the ball easier.
If Rodriguez is able to reach another level with this newfound approach, that's a scary proposition for American League pitchers. Already one of the best talents in baseball, the 23-year-old hit .275 with 32 homers and 103 RBI a season ago. He also stole 37 bases and made the All-Star Game for the second straight year.
It was quite the follow-up performance to his Rookie of the Year season in 2022 when he hit .284 with 28 homers and 75 RBI. In addition to being an All-Star, he was the runner-up in that year's Home Run Derby.
The Mariners went 88-74 last season and missed the playoffs by 1.0 game. They'll open up the season on March 28 at home against the Boston Red Sox.
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