Julio Rodriguez has a different mindset after an elite 2025 season

Seattle Mariners center fielder, Julio Rodriguez, put together one of the best seasons in his young career, tying a high in home runs with 32, while nearly assisting in the team making their first ever World Series appearance as they lost to the Toronto Blue Jays in seven games of the ALCS.

The season before wasn't bad by any means. Still, there was a noticeable dip in his numbers from the 2023 season, where he essentially put himself more on the map after a great rookie campaign. The outfielder admitted he went into last season with a chip on his shoulder, but after bouncing back, he is just focusing on being the best version of himself.

"Last year, I had a chip on my shoulder. This year, it's more about being myself," Rodriguez stated on '30 Clubs. 30 Camps.'

More: The Giants could target this Mariners breakout candidate to insure Luis Arraez

If Rodriguez feels that he wasn't himself last year, then it can be scary for every other team in the league as it seems that the star is hinting that he has an even better version of himself to unlock, which doesn't sound crazy, because although the center fielder has been productive in all of his first four seasons, he is no where near his prime.

It is also impressive that a young player of Rodriguez's stature is recognizing the importance of staying true to his game, especially so early in his career.

Rodriguez has 112 home runs through the first four seasons of his career, which is best for 25th all-time for most homers hit in a player's first four seasons, and now entering his fifth, the outfielder is making it known he wants to continue improving and that it stays with being Julio Rodriguez, which should allow him to be just fine based on his previous body of work.

More Mariners news:

• Mariners phenom Michael Arroyo starts spring with Aaron Judge-level stat
• We now know who Mariners refused to trade for Ketel Marte
• Mariners' 2.47 ERA reliever dealing with setback after dental procedure
• Mariners' Josh Naylor has made a new best friend — the team dog
• Seattle Mariners trade pitch sends Bryce Miller to NL contender for $80 million infielder and top-15 prospect