Major League Baseball is full of exciting, young players, and one of the most electrifying is Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez. A former AL Rookie of the Year, Rodriguez is widely regarded as having MVP potential.
It’s always intriguing to discover relationships between players from different sports, and one such connection exists between Rodriguez and NBA star Kevin Durant.
Durant Says Rodriguez is the ‘KD of Baseball’
When asked who the “Kevin Durant of Major League Baseball” is, the former NBA MVP didn’t hesitate to name Rodriguez. Durant explained, “He’s a young guy in the league, building his name, his rep. Gaining respect from a lot of fans around the world.”
“He’s a young guy in the league, building his name, gaining respect from a lot of fans around the world.”
Kevin Durant on Julio Rodriguez 🔥
(via MLB)pic.twitter.com/4ogOaX0H3D
— MLB (@MLB) March 11, 2025
Durant and Rodriguez have grown close, as Rodriguez spends Spring Training in Arizona, where Durant plays his NBA games.
The two have been spotted hanging out together and seem to share a solid friendship, despite their age difference—Rodriguez is 24, while Durant is 36. Still, two of the best in their respective sports have developed a mutual respect.
J-Rod Ready to Break Out
Rodriguez is coming off a somewhat underwhelming 2024 season. Over 143 games, he hit .273 with 20 home runs, 68 RBIs, and 24 stolen bases.
It was a step back from his impressive 30-30 season the previous year. However, there is confidence that he will bounce back in 2025.
The Mariners have playoff aspirations for 2025, despite missing the postseason last year. In 2022, they made it to the ALDS but were swept 3-0.
Fortunately, they boast one of the best pitching staffs in baseball. Even with George Kirby out to start the season, they still have four strong starting pitchers, which should keep them competitive.
Offensively, the Mariners rely heavily on Rodriguez. Aside from him, Randy Arozarena and Cal Raleigh are two players to watch in 2025, both of whom have All-Star potential and could support Rodriguez in the lineup.
Ultimately, the Mariners’ offense will go as far as J-Rod takes them. If he can return to his 30-30 form, the Mariners could be a real threat in the AL West. The division is shaping up to be one of the most competitive, with the Astros, Rangers, and Mariners all vying for playoff spots.
According to FanDuel, the Mariners currently have the third-best odds to win the AL West—but anything can happen once the games are played.