BALLER MOVE: Buy Julio Rodriguez
ANALYSIS: There has been a recurring theme for Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez in his first three MLB seasons. He always seems to struggle out of the gate. In 2022, he had a .206 batting average with zero home runs and six RBI through the first 20 games. Then, last year, he had a .204 average with 45 strikeouts in 34 games. This season has been no different, as Rodriguez had a .191 average in the first 17 games.
I did not have a .313 slugging percentage for Julio Rodriguez on my bingo card on May 5. Just 5 XBH in 35 games. Only regular with a lower SLG on Seattle’s roster is JP Crawford and he’s missed the last 9 games.
— Joe Doyle (@JoeDoyleMiLB) May 5, 2024
However, just like every year, the 23-year-old outfielder figures it out and finishes with elite numbers. As a matter of fact, Rodriguez has already started to get going at the plate. He is hitting .324 over his last 17 games, and it's only a matter of time until his power comes back too. He has just one home run in 143 plate apperances in 2024.
That's why he is the biggest buy in fantasy right now. The two-time All-Star totaled a combined 60 home runs, 178 RBI, and 62 stolen bases in 2022 and 2023. He always starts off slow and then picks him up as the season progresses. This year should follow suit.
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