Mets 2025 Prospects: No. 24 Yovanny Rodriguez

No. 24 Yovanny Rodriguez, C

B/T: R/R Age: 18 (11/07/2006)

Height: 6’0″ Weight: 175

Acquired: Signed for $2.85 million as an international free agent in 2024

ETA: 2029

2024 Stats: Dominican Summer League: .219/.359/.356, 181 PA, 32 H, 2 HR, 3 3B, 8 2B, 4 SB, 34 SO, 30 BB

Overview

Yovanny Rodriguez, MLB Pipeline’s No. 7 international free agent in the 2024 class, signed with the Mets for $2.85 million last January. His bonus was the largest the club handed out during that period, serving as a ringing endorsement of the Venezuelan catcher’s skill set and potential.

He made his professional debut on June 3 for DSL Mets Orange, where he would remain for the entire season. Rodriguez ultimately played in 44 games, 33 of which included appearances behind the plate while also serving as the designated hitter in 12. He concluded the year with a 101 wRC+, 18.8% strikeout rate and 16.6% walk rate while pulling the ball at a 47.8% clip.

Perhaps the most encouraging development for the Mets and Rodriguez was his strong finish to the season, as he slashed .341/.400/.568 with 13 RBIs over 50 plate appearances in August.

His defensive showing from a strictly statistical perspective was a bit rough, allowing 74 stolen bases in comparison to throwing out 10 base runners while committing six errors in 253 innings. Rodriguez’s struggles in that facet aren’t particularly concerning at this point, however, considering he was 17-years-old and thus is an obvious work in progress.

In May 2024, FanGraphs’ Eric Longenhagen wrote that Rodriguez is, “built to withstand the rigors of a full season of catching,” while further stating that he, “has big pull power and arm strength.”

2025 Outlook

Rodriguez still has a ways to go before realizing his major league dreams, but he could certainly take significant strides towards making them a reality in 2025. He’ll likely see time in the DSL to begin the year, though he could eventually make his way to the Florida Complex League or even Single-A St. Lucie if he performs well, much like fellow backstop Daiverson Gutierrez accomplished last season.

Previous Rankings

• No. 30: Will Watson, RHP
• No. 29: Jack Wenninger, RHP
• No. 28: A.J. Ewing, 2B/OF
• No. 27: Edward Lantigua, OF
• No. 26: Ronald Hernandez, C/1B
• No. 25: Jacob Reimer, 1B/3B

 

 

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