True MLB fans got to see what Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez can bring to the table just by watching him play and put up numbers in the first half.
The rest of the world had a glimpse at his potential when he knocked 81 balls out of the park during the Home Run Derby in Los Angeles.
As one of the youngest, budding stars of the league; Rodriguez had incredible earning potential.
The Mariners, however, made sure he stayed for the long haul and are inking him to a huge extension, worth a minimum of $210 million and a maximum of around $400 million.
One would think he needed just a handful of games to secure that deal, and he did, in part.
“Julio Rodríguez gets a bag after 108 MLB games and the Mariners lock up the face of their franchise!,” Farm to Fame tweeted.
Julio Rodríguez gets a bag after 108 MLB games and the Mariners lock up the face of their franchise! pic.twitter.com/RhO3HnzdCh
— Farm To Fame (@FarmToFame_) August 26, 2022
More Than Just 108 Games
But we also have to consider the long days of practice as a kid, not doing some of the things a young adolescent usually does, going to bed early most of the time, eating right, making sure his body is in top shape whenever he takes the field, the minor league years, and other sacrifices to achieve his dream.
This is the day with which most young kids dream about: actually making a living out of the thing they love, which is playing ball.
Rodriguez achieved that and more, at just 21 years old.
At 21 years, 240 days old, Julio Rodríguez is the youngest player in North American sports history to sign a playing contract worth $200M guaranteed. pic.twitter.com/aqt31UE5C9
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) August 26, 2022
He is an incredibly talented young player: he can hit (.269/.328/.471 with 20 home runs), field, run (23 stolen bases), and can also lead a team, like he is already doing with the Mariners.
When he was called up, he turned the club into a contender.
He is now a part of the Mariners present and future.
NEXT: MLB Insider Reveals A Massive Julio Rodriguez Update