Julio Rodriguez’s love for Naruto inspires Mariners' exclusive anime-inspired headband giveaway

Seattle Mariners All-Star outfielder Julio Rodriguez is a fan-favorite in Seattle and his love for renowned anime 'Naruto' might just make him one of the more popular MLB players among anime fans.

The Seattle Mariners, inspired by their two-time All-Star's love for Naruto, are giving away an exclusive Naruto-inspired headband during the series finale against the Tampa Bay Rays on August 28.

"Julio Rodríguez loves Naruto so much that the Mariners are giving away a headband inspired by the iconic anime on Aug. 28th."

Fans can get their hands on the exclusive merchandise, featuring the Mariners logo, by purchasing the specially priced tickets for Wednesday's clash against the Rays. The tickets for the Main Level are priced at $36 while the tickets for the View Level are priced at $24 with a chance of snagging the Naruto-themed merchandise.

The exclusive anime-themed headband, incidentally, also features on Julio Rodriguez's own breakfast cereal, "JuliO's." The Mariners star launched his cereal in May last year, with a part of the earnings from each box going to support underprivileged youths.

Julio Rodriguez's underwhelming 2024 campaign

The 2022 AL Rookie of the Year is going through it this season after the highs of the 2023 campaign. Julio Rodriguez has failed to maintain the same plate discipline as last year.

Injuries haven't helped his cause either, as the star outfielder sustained an ankle injury on July 21. By the time Rodriguez made his way back to the outfield last Friday, the Mariners had fired long-time manager Scott Servais over the team's offensive struggles this season.

Rodriguez, who has contributed to the team's underwhelming offensive output this season, remained committed to playing his game in the backdrop of Servais' departure.

He said:

“I’m just focused on playing baseball. Those decisions are outside the players. That’s obviously higher up. We’re employees here, just like everybody is, so we’ve just got to show up and play baseball.”

Julio Rodriguez has managed just one hit over the last five games and had another hitless night during his team's 3-2 loss against the Mariners on Tuesday. The two-time All-Star will be hoping to put in a better effort in the rubber game of the series on Wednesday.