This prospect from the Guardians deserves a chance in 2024.
In 2024, Johnathan Rodriguez has the potential to provide the Cleveland Guardians with a crucial offensive boost.
Scoring more runs is the key for the Cleveland Guardians as they approach Opening Day, particularly from the outfield position group, which struggled in 2023. While exploring the trade market for additional batting power is an option, the Guardians may eventually have to rely on their farm system if external help doesn’t materialize.
One prospect who should be given an opportunity in 2024 is outfielder Johnthan Rodriguez. Despite being the Guardians’ 25th-ranked prospect according to MLB Pipeline, Rodriguez, at 24, has showcased promising numbers at the Triple-A level. Though relatively unknown outside of Cleveland, his statistics paint a positive picture of his potential impact in the Big Leagues. In the previous season, Rodriguez split time between Double-A and Triple-A, maintaining consistent performance at both levels. His overall slash line was .286/.368/.529, resulting in an OPS of .897 and a wRC+ of 134 for advanced stat enthusiasts.
Rodriguez’s notable power is a standout feature, evident in his 26 doubles, four triples, 29 home runs, and 88 RBI across both levels in 2023. While his high strikeout rate is a valid criticism—26.7% at Double-A and 32.7% at Triple-A—the Guardians, in dire need of offensive firepower, should consider giving Rodriguez a chance to prove himself as a solution, showcasing his potential contribution to the Major League lineup.
