Game 6 of the ALCS brought tension to Rogers Centre that stretched beyond the battle between Seattle and Toronto on the field. In the stands, a moment unfolded that could have turned into a tug-of-war. However, before things escalated, the Mariners’ $210M slugger intervened with a what that fan called it a stare. What started as a fan’s selfish grab turned into a lesson in respect, showing that impactful moments often happen off the field.

That player was Julio Rodriguez, who signed a contract extension in 2022 of $210 million over 12 years. The 24-year-old center fielder posted impressive numbers in 2025, finishing with 32 home runs, 95 RBIs, and 30 SB with an OPS of .798.

He became one of only two players in baseball history to record 20-plus home runs and 20-plus stolen bases in each of his first four career seasons, joining Bobby Witt Jr. in that exclusive club.

And his  414-foot homer in Game of the ALCS contributed in winning the game against the Jays. His blend of power and speed has made him the face of Seattle’s resurgence.

The incident was posted on X and in that video Rodriguez tossed a ball toward Taylor Jacobs, the lone Mariners fan in that section, only to watch a Blue Jays supporter in the front row snatch it away.

Rodriguez stopped, gave the fan as Jacobs it as “the meanest death stare of all time,” and refused to move until the ball found its rightful owner. The crowd watched as the guilty party crumbled under the weight of Rodriguez’s glare and handed over the souvenir.

However, #44 later returned to give the Blue Jays fan his own ball, thanking him for doing the right thing and ensuring everyone left happy.

Meanwhile, on the diamond the Mariners lost Game 6 to the Jays by a score of 6-2. They got off to a bad start when Toronto took a 5-0 lead. Seattle’s defense made three mistakes and hit into three double plays that ended the inning.

After the game, Rodriguez shifted focus from the loss to the supporters who have been cheering for them throughout the season.

“Seattle fans just bring it,” J-Rod said for the fanbase. “It doesn’t matter if you’re a bandwagon fan or you’ve been there from the start—it’s brought the city together. It’s what sports should be: everyone cheering for the same goal.”

Now the team will be playing in Game 7, looking to lock down the finale spot to play against the Dodgers. Not only is there a change in the lineup but Rodriguez is excited too.

The Mariners lineup shake-up for the decider

With everything riding on Game 7, Manager Dan Wilson made strategic changes to spark his squad. Wilson chose to make changes to the lineup instead of a complete makeover, which might be a little risky but if all things go in favor then the reward will be the spot in the Finals.

As per reports, Wilson plans to make some changes for the final game. He will move Josh Naylor, who has been playing first base, from the cleanup spot to third base.

Additionally, Jorge Polanco, who has been serving as the DH, will be shifted to the No. 4 spot in the lineup. In another change, left-handed-hitting right fielder Dominic Canzone will be benched in favor of right-handed-hitting Victor Robles, even though Canzone has performed well against right-handed pitchers.

On the contrary, the Blue Jays, kept the same starting lineup they had in Game 6.

Prior to the game star center fielder Julio Rodriguez shared how crucial it is. He stated, “I’ve never been in a Game 7, and they say in sports there’s nothing better than those two words, so I’m excited.”

The Mariners’ lineup change will only work if they can stay calm and execute it well. Every swing and every defensive play will be even more important. Will they be able to clinch the ALCS or will it be the Blue Jays?