Will Julio Rodriguez win his first Gold Glove in 2026?

Despite being one of the best overall offensive weapons in Major League Baseball today, Julio Rodrigueznever rests on just his performance in the batter's box. He takes special pride in his play in the field, as well. The multi-talented player refers to his spot in centerfield at T-Mobile Park as the 'No-Fly Zone' as he has been one of the American League's premier defenders in his four years in Major League Baseball.

It was the second time Rodríguez was nominated for the Gold Glove award, and he's still in search of his first such honor after finishing as a runner-up. It's one of the few accolades the 24-year-old has yet to achieve. He's already a former Rookie of the Year, a three-time All-Star, and a two-time Silver Slugger Award winner. He's also a two-time member of the vaunted 30-30 club (in 2023 and 2025).

Frame by frame. pic.twitter.com/CYBuEkj8WK
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) May 20, 2025

In 2025, Rodriguez had a fielding percentage of .984 in 130 games playing centerfield. He committed six errors in 366 chances, a number he needs to cut down just a bit to guarantee his first fielding honor. But the man at thehead of the bench believes he will achieve that feat.

Mariners manager praises J-Rod's defense

Julio sliding catch — Oct 16, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez (44) makes a catch in the ninth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays during game four of the ALCS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images | Kevin Ng-Imagn Images

“I remember the great center fielders that we had,” Former player, now Mariners manager, Dan Wilson said over the winter. "They save you nine times out of 10. Catchers (and) pitchers absolutely love that, and Julio’s been that guy in center field where he’s been able to really track it down."

See how easy this is?

Julio makes a tough play look simple, with a good jump (+4.1 feet) and a good route (96.7%).

Just a 50% catch probability. Lesser outfielders are making Sportscenter here with a diving highlight reel catch: pic.twitter.com/sPRtdH5cxj
— The WARmonger (@TheWARmonger_) May 4, 2025

"That initial jump on the ball is really important, and I think that is something that you won’t notice about Julio because he does have great speed and you just kind of chalk it up to the speed,” Wilson added. “But that first step, that read off the bat, whether he has to come in or go back, he makes those reads so well, and he comes in a long way for a ball, and you don’t realize that was really based on his first step. … To me, that’s been a big separator for him.”