MLB International Free Agent Profile: Catcher Yovanny Rodriguez

Rodriquez’s makeup is very noticeable at 17 years of age, standing at 5’11” and 180 pounds. He’s athletic with a ton of physical polishing to do that will enhance his tools. He’s naturally strong, which contributes to his craft on both the defensive and offensive ends. His top tools are from behind the dish, showing skillful output as a catcher in multiple ways. His receiving, setup and approach are very mature from a fundamental aspect. Scouts believe he is also a good game-caller. His arm is above average, with good footwork on his toss to second. His arm and defensive game are projectable to be a big-league product. 

Also complimentary is his bat, which displays raw power and sound hands with contact consistency. He can use all fields but stays up the middle mostly, and has drive-power to pull. His bat is also projectable to be above average. Overall, the athleticism, tools, projectability, and scouting report shows the value in Rodriguez and would be a great addition from behind the dish.

The Blue Jays took a swift hit when they dealt former top prospect Gabriel Moreno to the Arizona Diamondbacks in a trade for Daulton Varsho last winter. Moreno put together a strong debut season in the desert, and while Danny Jansen and Alejandro Kirk represent a strong tandem, the Blue Jays don’t have a catcher who ranks in the top 30 of their prospects list.

This is why a catcher would be the top priority in this international signing period, and the main target should be Yovanny Rodriguez. That being said, it is believed that the New York Mets may already have Rodriguez in their good books in hopes of inking the backstop.