Jeremy Rodriguez was the top signing for the Arizona Diamondbacks during the 2023 International Signing Period, earning a bonus of $1.25 million. Hailing from Esperanza, Dominican Republic, also home to Hall of Famer David Ortiz and Yankees mega-prospect Jasson Dominguez, Rodriguez was ranked 47th overall and 19th at his position in the 2023 International Class according to MLB Pipeline.
Prior to inking his first professional contract at the age of 16, Rodriguez was known for his fluid swing from the left-handed batters box as well as his advanced pitch recognition skills. Scouts raved about the maturity of the young shortstop’s swing decisions and project an improvement in all of Rodriguez’s tools as he continues to grow, especially his plus grade arm.
The 16 year old Rodriguez was assigned to the Dominican Summer League Arizona Black squad to begin his career, one of the Diamondbacks two DSL teams. In 38 games with DSL Arizona Black, Rodriguez slashed .256/.371/.393 with 6 doubles, 2 triples, and 2 home runs in addition to stealing 12 bases in 17 attempts. The scouts assessed Rodriguez correctly – the shortstop had 21 walks while only striking out 26 times as a member of the Diamondbacks organization.
At the August 1st Trade Deadline, the Mets sent 35 year old OF Tommy Pham to the Diamondbacks in exchange for SS Jeremy Rodriguez. Once the shortstop had assimilated to his new home, the Mets complex in Boca Chica, Dominican Republic, he was assigned to the DSL Mets Orange squad. Since joining the Mets organization, Rodriguez, who turned 17 on July 4th, has had the best stretch-of-play so far in his young career.
In 13 games with DSL Mets Orange, Rodriguez has slashed .422/.546/.711 with four doubles, three triples, and 1 home run in addition to posting a 4:11 strikeout to walk ratio.
Partially on the strength of his season, Rodriguez has been named a top 30 prospect by MLB Pipeline. That means six of the Mets top 30 were prospects added at the trade deadline.
Following the season, it is likely that the young shortstop will make his first trip stateside with the Mets organization, training and participating in the Instructional League at the Mets complex in Port St. Lucie, Florida.
It is safe to say that Jeremy Rodriguez has settled in seamlessly with the Mets organization and emerged as a player to watch. 