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Víctor Robles
Víctor Robles
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Víctor Enrique Robles Brito (born May 19, 1997) is a Dominican professional baseball outfielder for the Seattle Mariners of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Washington Nationals and was part of the Nationals' 2019 World Series victory. Robles signed with the Nationals as an international free agent in 2013 and made his MLB debut in 2017.

Key Information

Career

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Washington Nationals

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Minor leagues

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Robles signed with the Washington Nationals as an international free agent in 2013, receiving a $225,000 signing bonus.[1][2] He made his professional debut in 2014 with the Dominican Summer League Nationals in the rookie-level Dominican Summer League, batting .313 with three home runs, 25 runs batted in (RBI), and 26 stolen bases in 47 games.[3] Robles started 2015 with the Gulf Coast Nationals in the rookie-level Gulf Coast League, playing in 23 games and hitting .370 with two home runs, 11 RBI, and 12 stolen bases[3] before he was promoted to the Auburn Doubledays in the Low-A New York–Penn League.[4][5][6] He finished the season with Auburn, hitting .343 with two home runs, 16 RBI, and 12 stolen bases for the Doubledays.[3]

Robles with the Hagerstown Suns in 2016

Robles began the 2016 season with the Hagerstown Suns of the Single-A South Atlantic League.[7] In 64 games for the Suns, he hit .305 with five home runs, and stealing 19 bases.[3] He earned a promotion to the Potomac Nationals of the High-A Carolina League in late June,[8] where he spent the rest of the season, except for a brief rehabilitation stint with the Gulf Coast League Nationals after returning from the seven-day disabled list.[3] In 41 games with Potomac, he batted .262, hit three home runs, and stole 18 bases.[3] For the three teams combined, he hit .280 with nine home runs, 42 RBI, and 37 stolen bases during 2016.[3]

Robles became the Nationals' top prospect after the team traded pitcher Lucas Giolito to the Chicago White Sox on December 7, 2016.[9] Writer Jim Callis said that same month that he believed Robles could be considered the top overall prospect in baseball by the end of 2017.[10] In July 2017, MLB Pipeline ranked Robles as the fifth-best prospect in baseball.[11]

Robles began the 2017 season with Potomac.[3] He was selected to play in the All-Star Futures Game.[12] On July 24, after 77 games with Potomac, batting .289 with seven home runs, 33 RBI, and 16 stolen bases, the Nationals promoted Robles to the Harrisburg Senators of the Double-A Eastern League.[13] Robles finished the minor-league season with Harrisburg, batting .324 with an .883 on-base plus slugging, 3 home runs, 14 RBI, and 11 stolen bases in 37 games with the Senators.[3]

Major leagues

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2017
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After the Eastern League season ended, the Nationals promoted Robles to the major leagues for the first time on September 7, 2017.[14] Having turned 20 in May, Robles was the youngest player in the 2017 MLB season.[15] He debuted that night against the Philadelphia Phillies as a pinch hitter, flying out to right field. On September 10, Robles reached base safely for the first time in his major league career after being hit by a pitch. Later in the game, he got his first career major league hit, a double off the Nationals Park scoreboard, also getting his first RBI. However, he was called out while trying to stretch the double into a triple, sliding past third base.[16] He finished the regular season with the Nationals batting .250 with a double, two triples, and four RBI in 13 games.[3] He made the Nationals' postseason playoff roster[17] and appeared in two games in the National League Division Series (NLDS), striking out in his only plate appearance but scoring one run.[18]

After Washington lost the NLDS to the Chicago Cubs in five games, Robles played in the Arizona Fall League.[19] In 13 games with the Mesa Solar Sox,[20] he went 10-for-41 (.244), had a .389 on-base percentage, hit three home runs and one double, drove in seven runs, and stole seven bases.[19][21] He was named the Most Valuable Player of the league's Fall Stars Game after going 1-for-3 with a walk, driving in a run, and scoring two runs.[22]

Víctor Robles with the Nationals in 2019.
Robles with the Nationals in 2019.
2018–2019
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Robles hit .188 in 21 spring-training games in 2018 before the Nationals optioned him to the Syracuse Chiefs of the Triple-A International League.[23] Ranked as the sixth-best prospect in baseball by MLB.com,[19] he went 4-for-4 with a walk in his second game with Syracuse, driving in a run, stealing a base, and scoring two runs, including the go-ahead run in the ninth inning that gave the Chiefs a win; three of his hits came on the first pitch.[19] He started the year 5-for-13 (.385) with one RBI into his fourth game of the year[3] when, on April 9, he hyperextended his elbow while diving to make a catch in shallow center field.[24] He was removed from the game. His injury did not require surgery, but it forced him onto the disabled list.[23] Robles started a rehab assignment with the Gulf Coast League Nationals on July 7, alongside fellow Chiefs outfielder Alejandro De Aza.[25] He rejoined the Nationals on September 4.[21] In less than one month in the majors in 2018, he batted .288/.349/.525 with three home runs, ten RBI, and three stolen bases in five attempts in 66 plate appearances. He was the seventh-youngest player in the National League (NL).[18]

In 2019, Robles batted .255/.326/.419 with 17 home runs, 65 RBI, 25 hit by pitch (second in the NL), and 28 stolen bases (5th) in 37 attempts.[26] In his rookie season, he had the highest percentage of soft contact and lowest percentage of hard contact percentage among NL batters.[27] Robles had an average exit velocity of 83.3 mph on balls in play, the second slowest in baseball.[28] Defensively, he had 23 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS), the best among major league center fielders.[29] He led all center fielders with 12 assists but also tied for the NL lead with 6 outfield errors.[30] He was a finalist for the NL Gold Glove Award in center field, losing to Lorenzo Cain.[31]

Robles started the postseason hot, batting .313 in five games from the Wild Card Game through the National League Championship Series.[32] He missed several playoff games with a hamstring injury.[33] Robles started all seven World Series games, hitting just .160 in the bottom third of the batting order, as the Nationals defeated the Houston Astros to win their first championship.[32]

Robles with the Nationals in 2020
2020–2024
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In 2020, Robles batted .220/.293/.315 with three home runs and 15 RBI in 189 plate appearances. He had the lowest slugging percentage of all NL hitters.[34] Balls he hit had an average exit velocity of 82.2 mph, the third slowest in the majors.[35]

Robles offense further diminished in 2021, as he hit .203/.310/.295 with two home runs and 19 RBI in 369 plate appearances. His average exit velocity of 84.1 mph was the fourth slowest in baseball.[36] On August 31, he was optioned to the Triple-A Rochester Red Wings.[37]

Victor Robles bunting in a gray Washington Nationals jersey in 2022
Robles bunting in 2022

Robles started 2022 with a new batting stance after working with hitting coach Darnell Coles.[38][39] He batted .224/.273/.311 in 406 plate appearances and led the major leagues with 10 bunt hits.[40] On defense, he led NL center fielders with 7 assists and 6 errors.[41] Balls he hit had an average exit velocity of 84.6 mph, again the third slowest in the majors.[42] After playing in 36 games in 2023, Robles was placed on the injured list with back spasms on June 21.[43] He was transferred to the 60-day injured list on July 26, not returning to action.[44][45]

Robles played in 14 games for the Nationals in 2024, hitting .120/.281/.120 with two RBI and four stolen bases. On May 27, Robles was designated for assignment by Washington, and the team released him on June 1.[46][47]

Seattle Mariners

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2024

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On June 4, 2024, Robles signed a major league contract with the Seattle Mariners.[48][49] He became the team's leadoff hitter by the end of July and played all three outfield positions, often filling in for Julio Rodríguez in center field.[50] On August 12, he signed a two-year, $9.75 million extension with the Mariners, with a $9 million club option for 2027.[51][2] Robles had one of the most productive stretches of his big league career with the Mariners in 2024,[52] batting .328 with 4 home runs and 30 stolen bases in 77 games.[18] His only caught stealing attempt with Seattle came on a failed steal of home on September 17. In his next plate appearance, he was hit by a Luis Gil pitch, injuring his right index finger. Robles briefly laughed with Gil before the injury forced him out of the game, a blowout loss to the New York Yankees.[53]

2025

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Robles was the Mariners' Opening Day right fielder in 2025. On April 6, he made a diving catch into the netting in foul territory at Oracle Park. He dislocated his left shoulder on the play and allowed the eventual winning run to advance into scoring position.[54][55] Within days, Robles was placed on the 10-day injured list and ruled out for at least 12 weeks.[56] He said he did not regret making the catch.[57]

On a minor league rehab assignment with the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers in August, Robles was ejected after he threw his bat at Las Vegas Aviators pitcher Joey Estes. Estes' previous pitch was inside and almost hit Robles, who had been hit by five pitches in his previous 15 times at bat.[58] MLB announced a 10-game suspension for Robles for throwing his bat. He appealed the suspension, which was reduced to 7 games.[59][60] Robles was officially activated from the injured list on August 23 and began serving his suspension on August 29.[61][60] He hit his only home run of the season on September 19 in a win over the Houston Astros.[62] The next night, Robles made a diving catch to start a game-ending double play in another win in Houston.[63][64] He finished 2025 batting .245/.281/.330 with one home run and 6 stolen bases in 32 games.[18]

Robles dealt with a left shoulder injury at the end of the season but started for the Mariners in the American League Division Series.[65][32]

Playing style

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As a prospect in 2016, Robles was considered a five-tool player, with speed as his best asset and his power lagging.[66] His speed in 2016 was compared to then-Nationals shortstop Trea Turner, one of the fastest runners in baseball.[67] In 2017, Robles sprint speed of 30.9 feet per second was best in the majors, but by 2024, it had dropped to 27.8 feet per second, which was outside the top 25 percent of major league players. His throwing arm strength ranked in the top 7 percent of baseball in every season from 2020 through 2024.[42]

Robles consistently has one of the slowest average exit velocities among major league hitters. This leads him to have low slugging percentages, though his speed has allowed him to have at least 20 doubles in four seasons.[42]

Personal life

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Robles and his wife have a son.[68] He has two pet monkeys, Kikito and Keka.[69][70]

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Víctor Robles (born May 19, 1997) is a Dominican professional baseball outfielder for the Seattle Mariners of Major League Baseball (MLB). Signed by the Washington Nationals as an international free agent in July 2013 for $225,000, Robles rose quickly through the minors as a top prospect, ranking as high as No. 4 overall by MLB Pipeline. He made his MLB debut with the Nationals on September 7, 2017, and established himself as a plus defender in center field, earning two finalist nods for the Rawlings Gold Glove Award in 2019 and 2022. Robles played a key role in the Nationals' 2019 World Series championship, starting all seven games in center field with a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage and 21 putouts, as praised by manager Dave Martinez: "We don’t win a World Series without him." Over his career through the 2025 season, Robles has appeared in 639 MLB games with a .247 , 36 home runs, 191 RBIs, and 106 stolen bases, while maintaining a .989 career fielding percentage with 1,184 putouts primarily in . After struggling with injuries and inconsistency in Washington, where he was on May 27, 2024, Robles signed a major league contract with the Mariners on June 4, 2024, and posted a resurgent .328/.393/.467 slash line with 4 home runs and 34 stolen bases in 77 games, contributing 3.2 wins above replacement. This performance led to a two-year, $9.75 million contract extension with on August 13, 2024, including performance incentives and a $9 million club option for 2027. In 2025, Robles faced setbacks with a fracture in April that sidelined him for at least 12 weeks and a 10-game suspension (later reduced to 7) for throwing a at a during a minor-league rehab assignment, limiting him to 106 at-bats with a .245 average, 1 , 9 RBIs, and 6 stolen bases. Despite these challenges, he returned in late August and made impactful plays in the postseason, including a leaping catch in the ALCS, helping the Mariners win the ALDS before losing the ALCS, showcasing his speed and defensive prowess. Earlier in his career, Robles also earned the Rising Stars Game MVP in 2017.

Early life

Birth and upbringing

Víctor Robles was born on May 19, 1997, in , . He grew up in a working-class family in a modest 10-foot-by-10-foot apartment in alongside his mother, Marcia Brito, his brother Cristofer, and later his father, Victor Javier Robles, after his parents divorced during his early years; his father remained involved in his life despite the separation. The family's humble circumstances reflected the challenges of common in the region, prompting Robles to wash cars starting at age 12 to help fund his budding aspirations, working long weekend shifts for modest earnings. From a young age, Robles developed an interest in through informal street games like la plaquita—a Dominican variant using a broomstick and —played in his neighborhood, a tradition deeply embedded in the country's where the serves as a primary outlet for youth in urban communities. Inspired by Dominican MLB stars such as , whom he emulated by nicknaming himself "little David Ortiz," Robles transitioned to organized play at age 9 on local community fields, honing his skills amid the vibrant scene of .

Amateur baseball and signing

Robles grew up in , , where his passion for was nurtured through early exposure to the sport in his local community. He began playing organized at the age of nine, participating in local leagues that provided his initial competitive experience. Around age 13, Robles started more structured training under coach Joel Manzanillo at a modest diamond in the Urbanización Italia neighborhood, initially as a before transitioning to due to his exceptional speed. By age 15, he had gained recognition among local peers for his raw talent and athleticism, playing in community-supported leagues and tournaments that showcased promising young players. It was during one such tournament that he first met future teammate , highlighting his emerging status in Dominican circles. Robles' skills drew the attention of Washington Nationals scout Modesto Ulloa around age 15, who noted his high energy and potential despite some inconsistencies, such as erratic throws. Ulloa arranged for Robles to attend a tryout at the Nationals' academy, where he impressed evaluators enough to secure interest from the organization. This led to his participation in international scouting events, including prospect showcases in the , which solidified his profile as a top international candidate. On July 2, 2013, at age 16, Robles signed with the as an international for a $225,000 bonus, following negotiations that brought down his initial asking price of $800,000; Ulloa's strong advocacy was instrumental in the deal. This signing marked the end of his amateur career and his transition to .

Professional career

Minor leagues

Robles signed with the Washington Nationals as an international free agent in July 2013 and was assigned to the rookie-level Dominican Summer League (DSL) Nationals, marking the start of his professional career in their minor league system. He made his on-field debut the following year in 2014 with the DSL Nationals, where he quickly established himself as a promising outfielder, batting .313 with a .408 on-base percentage and .484 slugging percentage over 47 games while stealing 22 bases and showcasing strong center field defense. In 2015, Robles continued his rapid ascent, splitting time between the Gulf Coast League Nationals (hitting .370/.484/.562 in 23 games with 12 stolen bases) and the Short-Season Class A Auburn Doubledays (.343/.424/.479 in 38 games with 12 steals), demonstrating improved plate discipline and baserunning speed. By 2016, he advanced to full-season ball, beginning with a brief stint in the Gulf Coast League before joining the Class A (.305/.405/.459, 19 steals in 64 games) and then the High Class A (.262/.354/.387, 18 steals in 41 games), where he adapted to more advanced pitching while maintaining elite range in center field, earning grades of 70 for fielding and arm strength. Robles' development accelerated in 2017, when he returned to High Class A Potomac for 77 games (.289/.377/.495, 16 steals, 7 home runs) before earning a midseason promotion to Double-A (.324/.394/.489, 11 steals in 37 games). That summer, he was selected to represent the Nationals in the MLB , highlighting his status as one of the organization's top prospects and his plus-plus speed and defensive skills. In 2018, after early injury setbacks and rehab assignments to rookie and Short-Season A levels, Robles reached Triple-A Syracuse Chiefs, where he hit .278/.356/.386 with 14 stolen bases in 40 games, further refining his game before his major league call-up. Throughout his tenure from 2014 to 2018, Robles compiled a , 170 stolen bases, and consistent defensive recognition in center field, where his speed and instincts made him a standout, often compared to elite major league outfielders for his ability to cover ground and make highlight-reel plays.

Víctor Robles made his major league debut with the on September 7, 2017, against the Philadelphia Phillies, appearing in 21 games that season with a .288 , three home runs, and three in 59 at-bats. His playing time remained limited in 2018, as he appeared in just 14 games, batting .167 with one . Robles experienced a breakout season in 2019, establishing himself as the Nationals' primary in 155 games while posting a .255/.326/.419 slash line, 17 home runs, 65 RBIs, and a league-leading 28 among National League rookies. His performance earned him sixth place in National League Rookie of the Year voting, behind winner of the . As a key contributor to the Nationals' championship run, Robles appeared in all seven games against the Astros, batting .160 with four that provided crucial speed on the basepaths despite his modest offensive output. From 2020 to 2023, Robles encountered significant challenges marked by injuries and inconsistent production, with batting averages dipping below .225 in three of those seasons. In 2020, a shortened season due to the limited him to 52 games where he hit .224/.318/.329 with four stolen bases; he followed with a .218 average in 107 games in after missing time with right elbow inflammation. The 2022 campaign saw further setbacks, including a left strain in July and a right calf strain in September, restricting him to 132 games with a .224/.289/.355 line and 15 stolen bases, leading to a demotion to Triple-A Rochester in August. In 2023, back spasms sidelined him starting in June after just 36 games, during which he showed signs of resurgence with a .299/.373/.374 slash line and eight stolen bases before the injury; he was demoted to the minors earlier in the season as well. Robles' 2024 season with the Nationals was brief and unproductive, as he batted .120/.281/.120 with four stolen bases in 14 games before being on May 27 to make room for the return of outfielder from the . The Nationals requested unconditional release waivers on June 1, and Robles was officially released on June 3, ending his tenure with the organization. Over 531 games with the Nationals from 2017 to 2024, Robles compiled a .236/.309/.356 slash line, 37 home runs, 172 RBIs, and 86 stolen bases, showcasing elite defense in center field with 20 Defensive Runs Saved but struggling to maintain offensive consistency post-2019.

Seattle Mariners

After being released by the Washington Nationals in early June 2024, Víctor Robles signed a major league contract with the Seattle Mariners on June 4 and was added to their active roster later that day. In 77 games during the 2024 season, Robles revitalized his career with Seattle, slashing .328/.393/.467 while hitting 4 home runs and stealing 30 bases in 31 attempts. His speed and outfield defense provided a significant boost to the Mariners' lineup, helping to stabilize their outfield amid injuries. On August 12, 2024, Robles agreed to a two-year extension with the Mariners worth $9.75 million, securing his services through the 2026 with a $9 million club option for 2027 and $2 million in performance incentives. This deal reflected his rapid resurgence following a difficult period with his previous team, offering a mid-career reset in a new environment. Robles entered the 2025 season as the Mariners' right fielder. However, his campaign was derailed early when he dislocated his left shoulder while making a diving catch on April 6, resulting in a small that sidelined him for over 12 weeks. He was placed on the 10-day the following day and transferred to the 60-day IL on April 23, beginning a rehab assignment in mid-August. Robles was activated from the on August 23, 2025, but his return was immediately complicated by a seven-game suspension, reduced from an initial 10 games after appeal, for throwing his bat toward a after being hit by a pitch during a minor-league rehab game. The suspension ran from August 29 to September 6. In 32 games that season, he batted .245/.281/.330 with 1 , 9 RBI, and 6 stolen bases. Despite the abbreviated regular season, Robles started in right field during the Mariners' postseason, which included an ALDS win over the Detroit Tigers (3-2) and an ALCS loss to the Toronto Blue Jays (4-3), after the team won the AL West with a 90-72 record. He had fully recovered from a right contusion suffered on September 17, 2024, which required no missed time beyond the immediate game. His speed continued to impact postseason play, though his overall batting line dipped to .111/.314/.185 in the .

Playing style

Defensive abilities

Víctor Robles is renowned for his elite defensive abilities in , particularly his exceptional range and speed in center field, which have been quantified by advanced metrics throughout his career. His career Defensive Runs Saved stands at +25, highlighting his ability to prevent runs through superior positioning and pursuit of balls. These figures underscore his reputation as one of the top center fielders in preventing extra-base hits and making plays on challenging fly balls. Robles possesses Gold Glove-caliber arm strength as a right-handed thrower, allowing him to accumulate numerous assists and deter runners from advancing. A standout example came during the , where he made several game-saving catches for the against the Houston Astros, including a diving rob of in Game 4 and a leaping grab to deny extra bases to in Game 3. His speed enables these dynamic plays that often turn the tide of innings. In 2025, while with the Seattle Mariners, Robles demonstrated his athleticism with a remarkable diving catch into the netting at on April 6 against the San Francisco Giants, covering 113 feet in 6.2 seconds to secure the out but sustaining a left that sidelined him temporarily. Later in the season, he transitioned to right field to address team needs, providing versatility in the outfield alignment alongside Julio . Upon returning in late August, Robles made a leaping catch in the ALDS, further showcasing his speed and defensive skills.

Offensive profile

Víctor Robles bats right-handed and employs a contact-oriented swing that emphasizes line drives and gap power rather than pull-side authority, resulting in a career of .247. His average exit velocity of 84.5 mph ranks among the lowest in , contributing to a career strikeout rate of 22.1% despite his quick hands and feel for the . This approach has limited his ability to generate consistent hard contact, often leading to ground balls and fly outs rather than extra-base hits. Robles' elite speed translates effectively to the basepaths, where he has recorded 106 stolen bases over his career with an 79.1% success rate. His aggressiveness and acceleration allow him to disrupt defenses, peaking at 34 stolen bases in 2024 while playing for the . This baserunning prowess complements his defensive excellence in the outfield, enabling him to cover ground and create additional value through athleticism. Despite his speed, Robles' power remains inconsistent, with just 36 home runs across his career, primarily derived from gap power rather than over-the-fence pull strength. However, during a hot streak with the Mariners, he demonstrated improved plate discipline, posting a .393 and a reduced 16.8% rate in 262 plate appearances. He is positioned as a high-contact, low-power table-setter.

Personal life

Family

Víctor Robles married Diannelis Robles in late 2017, shortly after his MLB debut in September 2017, marking the beginning of their life together during the early stages of his career. In 2025, Robles announced the passing of his mother, which he described as incredibly difficult.

Pets

Víctor Robles owns two pet monkeys named Kikito and Keka. He has frequently shared photos and videos of the monkeys on social media, including an post in August 2024 showing his wife feeding them, which quickly went viral among fans. During a mic'd-up segment on ESPN's broadcast on August 11, 2024, Robles recounted humorous anecdotes about interacting with the monkeys, such as pausing a story about them mid-play to make a catch in the outfield, underscoring his affection for the animals. Robles has emphasized providing dedicated housing for the monkeys, noting in the same interview that they have their own separate structure to ensure their well-being.

References

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