Yovanny Rodriguez
No. 13: Yovanny Rodriguez, C
B/T: R/R Age: 11/07/2006 (17)
Ht: 6’0″ Wt: 175 lb.
Acquired: Signed in 2023 IFA Class
ETA: 2028 Previous Rank: N/R
Yovanny Rodriguez was the Mets’ top international free agent signing in 2023, receiving a $2.85 million contract. A right-handed hitting catcher from Venezuela, Rodriguez was ranked sixth overall in the class per MLB Pipeline.
“Rodriguez has a chance to become the best player in this class, and it’s easy to see why,” Pipeline said. “An advanced catching prospect with some pop and skills, Rodriguez has the potential to be a star on both sides of the ball.”
Offensively, Rodriguez has shown a good ability for contact, repeating the process consistently. At present, he exhibits some power, but like most young prospects, he has room to add more strength, which will carry over more and potentially give him more power. As it is right now, it’s more hit over power.
The primary focus for the 2024 season for Rodriguez will be to get experience behind the plate and at-bats. Considering he will play the entirety of the year as a 17-year-old, growth will be the primary concern. Since he has no professional at-bats yet, everything right now is based on potential and scouting reports. The Mets have the likes of Kevin Parada, Ronald Hernandez and Christopher Suero in the system, but Rodriguez is at least half a decade away from reaching the majors. There will be no rush on his development.
2024 Role
Rodriguez is currently slated to begin with the Mets Dominican Summer League team—and, barring an extremely aggressive push or assignment, will likely spend the entirety of the year down there. He’s an exciting prospect, but the aim is to get his feet wet this season. It might be another year before he comes stateside.
Previous Rankings:
