Seattle Mariners' Julio Rodriguez Passes A-Rod to Move to Top Spot of Historic List

With a fifth-inning home run on Saturday afternoon, Seattle Mariners star Julio Rodriguez made some team history, becoming the fastest player in team history to hit 50 career home runs.

Per Adam Jude of the Seattle Times:

Mariners 11, Royals 1.

Julio Rodriguez with a laser two-run shot to left field, his 22nd of the season.

He becomes the fastest player in M's history to 50 homers (256 games), surpassing Alex Rodriguez (269).

Mariners 11, Royals 1.

Julio Rodriguez with a laser two-run shot to left field, his 22nd of the season.

He becomes the fastest player in M's history to 50 homers (256 games), surpassing Alex Rodriguez (269).
— Adam Jude (@A_Jude) August 26, 2023

While Alex Rodriguez became marred later in his career for his tie to the steroid scandal, when he was with the Mariners he was simply one of the most talented young players to ever play, so passing him on any list is an accomplishment.

While with the Mariners over a seven-year period, A-Rod was a four-time All-Star. He hit 42 home runs and stole 46 bases in an epic 1998 season as well.

As for Julio Rodriguez, he's got 22 homers this season to go along with 82 RBI and 35 stolen bases. The reigning Rookie of the Year winner in the American League has helped carry the M's over the last two weeks as they made a historic comeback in the standings.

Entering play on Saturday, the M's were 72-56 and tied for first place in the American League West. At the time of this posting, they lead the Royals 11-1 and are well on their way to another victory and being a season-high 17 games over .500.

The two teams will finish out the series in Seattle on Sunday afternoon.

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