Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodríguez was selected as a finalist for the 2023 Rawlings® American League Gold Glove Award in center field, as announced by the Rawlings Sporting Goods Company and Major League Baseball.
Rodríguez was one of three finalists for the American League Gold Glove in center field with Kevin Kiermaier (Toronto) and Luis Robert Jr. (Chicago).
Julio started 152 games in center field for the Mariners in 2023, recording a .994 fielding percentage. The 22-year-old committed just 2 errors in 360 total chances, with his fielding percentage ranking 3rd among American League center fielders.
Yet, he lost out on the award to Kevin Kiermaier. I am not here to diminish what Kiermaier did this year, but at the end of the day Julio Rodriguez made up for some of his batting slumps this season with insanely good fielding.
The Mariners center fielder robbed 2 home runs in 2023, one of just 11 Major Leaguers with multiple home run robberies during the past season, per Sports Info Solutions.
Sadly, he did not get the award, another sad moment of the Mariners end to the season.