Smiles all around as Julio Rodríguez, and Luis Castillo, receive their 2023 LatinoMVP awards - Image Credit: Seattle Mariners/MLB

SEATTLE STAND UP! 

Prior to Sunday afternoon’s series finale between the Texas Rangers and Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on Roberto Clemente Day (September 15th, which also marks the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month), Julio Rodríguez, and Luis Castillo, were each presented with their respective 2023 American League LatinoMVP awards — the oldest and most prestigious awards given to Latin MLB athletes dating back to 1990. 

Congratulations to @JRODshow44 on being named the 2023 @latinosports MVP Player of the Year and Luis Castillo on earning 2023 @latinosports MVP Pitcher of the Year honors! 👏

¡Felicidades a @JRODshow44 por ser nombrado el @latinosports MVP Jugador del Año 2023 y Luis Castillo… pic.twitter.com/h8rNObtcy8

— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) September 15, 2024

Determined, selected, and voted in by members of the Latino Sports Writers and Broadcasters Association (LSWBA), Rodríguez was named the AL LatinoMVP for his 2023 campaign, while Castillo took home the honors for the 2023 AL LatinoMVP Starting Pitcher of the Year — full press release available. 

Both season performances from 2023 were MVP-like, and deserving of recognition, but overlooked by the Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA) in their annual award voting, which makes this achievement even more worthy for Rodríguez and Castillo. 

Mariners’ Duo Puts Up 2023 LatinoMVP Numbers

Rodríguez in 155 games: .275/.333/.478 slash line with 32 HR (7th in AL), 103 RBI (3rd in AL), 37 SB (3rd in AL) and 180 hits (2nd in AL)

Castillo in 33 outings: 14-9 record with a 3.34 ERA (5th in AL), a 1.10 WHIP (6th in AL), and 219 strikeouts (4th in AL) in 197 innings (4th in AL)

We at Latino Sports, along with the assistance from Major League Baseball, prefer to present LatinoMVP winners with their one-of-a-kind awards during the following season throughout Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15th-October 15th) at their home ballpark — with the sole purpose of promoting each athlete’s career milestone to the highest degree in front of their family, loved ones, and hometown fans.

“This award is to allow Latino players to get the recognition they deserve and become the models that many young Latinos should see.” – Julio Pabón, president and founder of Latino Sports

For Rodríguez and Castillo, the two Dominican stars received their LatinoMVP awards from Julio Pabón, president and founder of Latino Sports, and Michelle Davila, a correspondent of Latino Sports, behind home plate during the lead up to first pitch.

About the LatinoMVP Awards: The one-of-a-kind artwork for Rodríguez’s LatinoMVP award was done by well-renowned and nationally acclaimed artist James Fiorentino (@fiorentinojames), who created an original watercolor painting of J-Rod swinging. As for Castillo’s beautiful LatinoMVP award, Fanatics & Topps licensed artist Maz Adams (@mazadamsart), completed a special drawing of Castillo out on the mound pitching.

2023 LatinoMVP Award Winners

American League LatinoMVP 

Julio Rodríguez – Seattle Mariners

National League LatinoMVP 

Ronald Acuña Jr. – Atlanta Braves

American League LatinoMVP Starting Pitcher 

Luis Castillo – Seattle Mariners

National League LatinoMVP Starting Pitcher

Jesús Luzardo – Miami Marlins

American League LatinoMVP Reliever/Closer

Félix Bautista – Baltimore Orioles

National League LatinoMVP Reliever/Closer

Alexis Díaz – Cincinnati Reds

American League LatinoMVP Rookie of the Year

Yainer Díaz – Houston Astros 

National League LatinoMVP Rookie of the Year

Elly De La Cruz – Cincinnati Reds

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