Julio Rodriguez is special.
But this isn't just your garden variety of special. This is mint, exquisite, diamond kind of special.
The Seattle Mariners' centerfielder is ranking among all-time legend of the game when you break down his accomplishments the right way.
Social media accounts were celebrating Rodriguez on Monday because it's his 25th birthday, as good a time as any to take stock of what he's already accomplished.
And, well, Rodriguez has more Wins Above Replacement (by Baseball Reference's metric) than any other player in their first four MLB seasons since the game integrated in 1947.
His four-season span is the 12th-best four-season span since 1947 of any player, for any four seasons of their career.
This is astounding:
Happy 25th Birthday to Julio Rodríguez!
— Luke Arkins (@luke_arkins) December 29, 2025
Highest bWAR accrued by a player in their first four seasons since baseball integrated in 1947…#Mariners pic.twitter.com/odB1oT1yu1
MORE: Team USA's projected WBC lineup is incredible
It's hard to overstate how impressive this is.
There are times that Mariners fans get a little frustrated with Julio. But when you look at his feats in totality, there are few players who have ever done what he has done at an age anywhere near his.
Seattle has a special ballclub, and Rodriguez is one of its most special players. And at this rate, he's trending toward having an absolutely magical career.
More MLB news:
- Dominican Republic's projected WBC lineup is fierce
- Reds have a promising prospect named Ichiro Cano
- It's a good day to remember Bob Feller's brilliance and his time in the U.S. Navy
- How Aroldis Chapman is able to pitch for Great Britain in the WBC
- Alex Bregman has a key free agent preference
- Yankees' pitcher leaving MLB to sign in Japan