Endy Rodriguez

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Pittsburgh Pirates #1 prospect in 2023
  BA Grade/Risk: 65/High
  
  Track Record: The Mets didn't spend much to sign Rodriguez, inking him for $10,000 as an 18-year-old out of the Dominican Republic in 2018, but they're paying the price now for letting him go. New York shipped Rodriguez to the Pirates in January 2021 in a three-team deal that sent Joe Musgrove to the Padres and netted the Mets Joey Lucchesi. Rodriguez has raked ever since. He won the batting title in the Low-A Florida State League in 2021, hitting .294 with 15 homers. He then took another leap forward in 2022, hitting 25 homers and posting a .996 OPS across three levels and ending the year with Triple-A Indianapolis. Rodriguez was especially impactful from July 1 to the end of the season, ranking first among qualified minor league hitters in average (.377), slugging (.723), OPS (1.181) and extra-base hits (43).
  
  Scouting Report: The switch-hitting Rodriguez turned in one of 2022's biggest breakout performances on the strength of his exceptional bat-to-ball skills and contact quality. Scouts covet Rodriguez's pure hitting ability--he has hit .310 in full-season ball the past two seasons--and his power emerged more consistently from both sides of the plate in 2022. Rodriguez always seems to have a plan at the plate and controls the strike zone well. His proclivity for strong swing decisions allows him to maximize his above-average power potential despite middle-of-the-road exit velocities. Rodriguez has steadily added strength to his wiry frame, too, and is very athletic. Those in the Pirates organization rave about his aptitude, leadership and baseball IQ. Rodriguez made strides defensively in 2022. He improved his blocking and receiving, especially after he settled into a more consistent defensive stance and got consistent reps once Henry Davis was promoted to Double-A Altoona in May. Rodriguez made a conscious effort to improve his throwing accuracy to second base and his transfer after struggling with inconsistency in 2021, when he threw out just 17% of basestealers. He nearly doubled that figure in 2022 and threw out 45% of baserunners once he arrived in Altoona. Opposing evaluators were impressed with Rodriguez's game management, and Pirates minor league pitchers liked throwing to him. He still needs to refine his framing, but any concerns in that regard could be mitigated if MLB introduces an automated ball-strike system. Rodriguez also spent time at first base, second base and left field in 2022, and he's athletic enough to handle any of those positions.
  
  The Future: Rodriguez emerged as one of baseball's best catching prospects in 2022 and profiles as an impact big leaguer with plus hitting and power potential. He could ultimately become one half of an enviable catching duo with Davis in Pittsburgh. It's easy to dream on Rodriguez becoming a foundational piece who helps usher the Pirates out of their lengthy rebuild.
  
  Scouting Grades: Hitting: 60. Power: 60. Speed: 45. Fielding: 50. Arm: 55
• 
  Ranked Pittsburgh Pirates #7 prospect in 2022
  Track Record: Rodriguez was an older $10,000 signee at 18 by the Mets and was trending upward when the Pirates acquired him in the three-team deal that sent Joe Musgrove to the Padres after the 2020 season. Rodriguez continued that momentum in his full-season debut in 2021, winning the Low-A Southeast batting title (.294) and posting the league’s lowest strikeout rate (17.7%).
  
  Scouting Report: Rodriguez receives a steady drumbeat of praise as an ultra-athletic, switch-hitting catcher. He has a clean, direct swing from both sides of the plate and his lefthanded swing is geared for power. Rodriguez projects as a plus hitter thanks to his combination of impressive strike-zone recognition, bat speed and feel for the barrel. He posted the lowest swinging-strike rate (8.3%) of any hitter in his league. Rodriguez has a wiry frame, but he has a chance to sustain average power if he can add more strength. Defensively, Rodriguez is an agile mover behind the plate who adeptly handles velocity. He’s still raw—he never caught full time until turning pro—but he’s a quick learner who has made strides with his blocking and receiving. The Pirates internally rave about his energy and leadership behind the plate. Rodriguez didn’t look out of place in looks at first base and left field, and he may be athletic enough to handle second base.
  
  The Future: Rodriguez is one of several recent acquisitions who has transformed the Pirates’ catching depth, along with Henry Davis, Abrahan Gutierrez and Carter Bins. Divvying up those reps will be a challenge, but Rodriguez is ready for High-A Greensboro in 2022.

Minor League Top Prospects

• 
  Ranked Florida State League #9 prospect in 2021
  The Pirates acquired Rodriguez from the Mets as part of the three-team deal that sent Joe Musgrove to the Padres and Joey Lucchesi to New York. Now, he’s part of the deep and rapidly improving Pittsburgh farm system. Rodriguez’s .294 average led the league, his on-base and slugging percentages each ranked among the top five, and his 15 home runs were just four off of Orelvis Martinez’s league lead. Those highest on Rodriguez see a potentially plus hitter with plus raw power who has a ceiling as an everyday catcher. On the defensive side, scouts see a solid receiver who can handle big velocity and plays with a tremendous amount of energy. There are some areas to polish in terms of the way he presents pitches, and he threw out just 17% of basestealers. If Rodriguez did have to move out from behind the plate, especially after the Pirates drafted Louisville catcher Henry Davis No. 1 overall this year, he has the athleticism to play first base or left field, and he dabbled at both spots in 2021.

Top 100 Rankings

• Ranked Baseball America's #22 prospect in 2023

• February, 2023 Scouting Report
  BA Grade/Risk: 65/High
  
  Track Record: The Mets didn't spend much to sign Rodriguez, inking him for $10,000 as an 18-year-old out of the Dominican Republic in 2018, but they're paying the price now for letting him go. New York shipped Rodriguez to the Pirates in January 2021 in a three-team deal that sent Joe Musgrove to the Padres and netted the Mets Joey Lucchesi. Rodriguez has raked ever since. He won the batting title in the Low-A Florida State League in 2021, hitting .294 with 15 homers. He then took another leap forward in 2022, hitting 25 homers and posting a .996 OPS across three levels and ending the year with Triple-A Indianapolis. Rodriguez was especially impactful from July 1 to the end of the season, ranking first among qualified minor league hitters in average (.377), slugging (.723), OPS (1.181) and extra-base hits (43).
  
  Scouting Report: The switch-hitting Rodriguez turned in one of 2022's biggest breakout performances on the strength of his exceptional bat-to-ball skills and contact quality. Scouts covet Rodriguez's pure hitting ability--he has hit .310 in full-season ball the past two seasons--and his power emerged more consistently from both sides of the plate in 2022. Rodriguez always seems to have a plan at the plate and controls the strike zone well. His proclivity for strong swing decisions allows him to maximize his above-average power potential despite middle-of-the-road exit velocities. Rodriguez has steadily added strength to his wiry frame, too, and is very athletic. Those in the Pirates organization rave about his aptitude, leadership and baseball IQ. Rodriguez made strides defensively in 2022. He improved his blocking and receiving, especially after he settled into a more consistent defensive stance and got consistent reps once Henry Davis was promoted to Double-A Altoona in May. Rodriguez made a conscious effort to improve his throwing accuracy to second base and his transfer after struggling with inconsistency in 2021, when he threw out just 17% of basestealers. He nearly doubled that figure in 2022 and threw out 45% of baserunners once he arrived in Altoona. Opposing evaluators were impressed with Rodriguez's game management, and Pirates minor league pitchers liked throwing to him. He still needs to refine his framing, but any concerns in that regard could be mitigated if MLB introduces an automated ball-strike system. Rodriguez also spent time at first base, second base and left field in 2022, and he's athletic enough to handle any of those positions.
  
  The Future: Rodriguez emerged as one of baseball's best catching prospects in 2022 and profiles as an impact big leaguer with plus hitting and power potential. He could ultimately become one half of an enviable catching duo with Davis in Pittsburgh. It's easy to dream on Rodriguez becoming a foundational piece who helps usher the Pirates out of their lengthy rebuild.
  
  Scouting Grades: Hitting: 60. Power: 60. Speed: 45. Fielding: 50. Arm: 55
• December, 2022 Scouting Report
  BA Grade/Risk: 65/High
  
  Track Record: The Mets didn't spend much to sign Rodriguez, inking him for $10,000 as an 18-year-old out of the Dominican Republic in 2018, but they're paying the price now for letting him go. New York shipped Rodriguez to the Pirates in January 2021 in a three-team deal that sent Joe Musgrove to the Padres and netted the Mets Joey Lucchesi. Rodriguez has raked ever since. He won the batting title in the Low-A Florida State League in 2021, hitting .294 with 15 homers. He then took another leap forward in 2022, hitting 25 homers and posting a .996 OPS across three levels and ending the year with Triple-A Indianapolis. Rodriguez was especially impactful from July 1 to the end of the season, ranking first among qualified minor league hitters in average (.377), slugging (.723), OPS (1.181) and extra-base hits (43).
  
  Scouting Report: The switch-hitting Rodriguez turned in one of 2022's biggest breakout performances on the strength of his exceptional bat-to-ball skills and contact quality. Scouts covet Rodriguez's pure hitting ability--he has hit .310 in full-season ball the past two seasons--and his power emerged more consistently from both sides of the plate in 2022. Rodriguez always seems to have a plan at the plate and controls the strike zone well. His proclivity for strong swing decisions allows him to maximize his above-average power potential despite middle-of-the-road exit velocities. Rodriguez has steadily added strength to his wiry frame, too, and is very athletic. Those in the Pirates organization rave about his aptitude, leadership and baseball IQ. Rodriguez made strides defensively in 2022. He improved his blocking and receiving, especially after he settled into a more consistent defensive stance and got consistent reps once Henry Davis was promoted to Double-A Altoona in May. Rodriguez made a conscious effort to improve his throwing accuracy to second base and his transfer after struggling with inconsistency in 2021, when he threw out just 17% of basestealers. He nearly doubled that figure in 2022 and threw out 45% of baserunners once he arrived in Altoona. Opposing evaluators were impressed with Rodriguez's game management, and Pirates minor league pitchers liked throwing to him. He still needs to refine his framing, but any concerns in that regard could be mitigated if MLB introduces an automated ball-strike system. Rodriguez also spent time at first base, second base and left field in 2022, and he's athletic enough to handle any of those positions.
  
  The Future: Rodriguez emerged as one of baseball's best catching prospects in 2022 and profiles as an impact big leaguer with plus hitting and power potential. He could ultimately become one half of an enviable catching duo with Davis in Pittsburgh. It's easy to dream on Rodriguez becoming a foundational piece who helps usher the Pirates out of their lengthy rebuild.
  
  Scouting Grades: Hitting: 60. Power: 60. Speed: 45. Fielding: 50. Arm: 55
• April, 2022 Scouting Report
  BA Grade: 50/High
  
  Track Record: Rodriguez was an “older” $10,000 sign at 18 years old by the Mets out of the Dominican Republic in 2018, and was trending upward when the Pirates acquired him in the three-team deal that sent Joe Musgrove to the Padres last winter. That continued in 2021. He led all Low-A Southeast hitters in average (.294), finished second in wRC+ (140) and posted the lowest strikeout percentage (17.7%).
  
  Scouting Report: Rodriguez received a steady drumbeat of praise both internally and from external evaluators throughout 2021 as an ultra-athletic switch-hitting catcher. Scouts like his swing from both sides, noting the lefthanded swing is more geared for power and that he&#39s direct to the ball from both sides. Rodriguez projects as a plus hitter thanks to a combination of impressive strike-zone recognition, bat speed and feel for the barrel. He posted the lowest swinging strike percentage (8.3%) of any hitter in his league. He has a wiry frame, but there&#39s a chance to sustain average power if he can add more strength. Defensively, Rodriguez is an agile mover behind the plate who handles velocity adeptly. He&#39s still raw -- he never caught full-time until turning pro -- but he&#39s a quick learner who made strides with his blocking and receiving. The Pirates raved about his energy and leadership. Rodriguez didn&#39t look out of place in shorter looks at first base and left field, and Pittsburgh thinks he&#39s athletic enough to potentially even handle second base.
  
  The Future: Rodriguez is one of several recent acquisitions that transformed the Pirates catching depth, along with Henry Davis, Abrahan Gutierrez and Carter Bins. Divvying up those reps will be a challenge, but Rodriguez is ready for High-A Greensboro in 2022.
  
  Scouting Grades: Hit: 60. Power: 50. Speed: 45. Fielding: 50. Arm: 55.
• December, 2021 Scouting Report
  Track Record: Rodriguez was an older $10,000 signee at 18 by the Mets and was trending upward when the Pirates acquired him in the three-team deal that sent Joe Musgrove to the Padres after the 2020 season. Rodriguez continued that momentum in his full-season debut in 2021, winning the Low-A Southeast batting title (.294) and posting the league’s lowest strikeout rate (17.7%).
  
  Scouting Report: Rodriguez receives a steady drumbeat of praise as an ultra-athletic, switch-hitting catcher. He has a clean, direct swing from both sides of the plate and his lefthanded swing is geared for power. Rodriguez projects as a plus hitter thanks to his combination of impressive strike-zone recognition, bat speed and feel for the barrel. He posted the lowest swinging-strike rate (8.3%) of any hitter in his league. Rodriguez has a wiry frame, but he has a chance to sustain average power if he can add more strength. Defensively, Rodriguez is an agile mover behind the plate who adeptly handles velocity. He’s still raw—he never caught full time until turning pro—but he’s a quick learner who has made strides with his blocking and receiving. The Pirates internally rave about his energy and leadership behind the plate. Rodriguez didn’t look out of place in looks at first base and left field, and he may be athletic enough to handle second base.
  
  The Future: Rodriguez is one of several recent acquisitions who has transformed the Pirates’ catching depth, along with Henry Davis, Abrahan Gutierrez and Carter Bins. Divvying up those reps will be a challenge, but Rodriguez is ready for High-A Greensboro in 2022.
• October, 2021 Scouting Report
  The Pirates acquired Rodriguez from the Mets as part of the three-team deal that sent Joe Musgrove to the Padres and Joey Lucchesi to New York. Now, he’s part of the deep and rapidly improving Pittsburgh farm system. Rodriguez’s .294 average led the league, his on-base and slugging percentages each ranked among the top five, and his 15 home runs were just four off of Orelvis Martinez’s league lead. Those highest on Rodriguez see a potentially plus hitter with plus raw power who has a ceiling as an everyday catcher. On the defensive side, scouts see a solid receiver who can handle big velocity and plays with a tremendous amount of energy. There are some areas to polish in terms of the way he presents pitches, and he threw out just 17% of basestealers. If Rodriguez did have to move out from behind the plate, especially after the Pirates drafted Louisville catcher Henry Davis No. 1 overall this year, he has the athleticism to play first base or left field, and he dabbled at both spots in 2021.
• July, 2021 Scouting Report
  The Pirates are excited about Rodriguez, the switch-hitting catcher they acquired from the Mets in the three-team Joe Musgrove deal. Rodriguez can spray line drives all over the yard thanks to an innate knack for finding the barrel and a mature approach capable of handling fastballs and recognizing spin. Rodriguez is an agile defender behind the plate with an average arm and he showed no issues receiving high-end velocity. Rodriguez hasn't tapped into his power consistently—his average exit velocity is just north of 84 mph—but the Pirates believe it's coming.