Position: RHP
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 198 lbs
Bats/Throws: R/R
Born: 10/15/1997
Country: Dominican Republic
Signed: International Free Agent, 2015 (Rangers)
How Acquired: Minor League Free Agent
Bonus: $60,000
40-Man Roster: No
Rule 5 Eligible: Eligible
Minor League Free Agency: 2025
Options Left: 0
Overview
Rodriguez pitched well in the low minors after signing with the Rangers. He’s had more trouble at the upper levels, though, and has been especially bad in the majors. His fastball averages over 96 mph with good spin, which was enough to miss a lot of bats in the minors. The sticking point has been his secondary pitches, a slider and change, both of which are well below average. Rodriguez was a starter most of the time until he got to AAA; since then he’s been primarily a reliever. The Pirates signed him to a minor league deal for 2025.
2016-20
After signing, Rodriguez spent two years in the DSL, although he appeared in only two games in 2017. He was generally effective beyond low K rates. He divided 2018 between rookie and short-season ball, earning a promotion after striking out 55 batters in 33 innings at the former level.
In 2019, Rodriguez seemingly had a breakout season in Low Class A, posting a 2.08 ERA and 0.90 WHIP in 13 starts, along with a 10.4 K/9. He didn’t pitch in 2020, but the Rangers added him to their 40-man roster that fall.
2021-22
Rodriguez pitched very well over 14 starts in AA to open 2021, with a 2.63 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 11.0 K/9. He had a lot more trouble after a promotion to AAA, getting torched for an 8.01 ERA, leading to a move to the bullpen. In 2022, he pitched just passably in AAA, mostly in relief, with a 4.27 ERA and 1.56 WHIP. He did get into one game with the Rangers.
2023-24
Rodriguez spent most of the 2023 season in AAA, but got into 13 games with the Rangers. He wasn’t effective at either level, with a 5.03 ERA in AAA and 7.90 in the majors. He did maintain good K rates, but also had some control issues.
In 2024, Rodriguez bounced back and forth between AAA and the Rangers through mid-June. He again wasn’t effective at either level, with ERAs over 6.00 and control problems. Texas traded him to Toronto in June and he again split his time between AAA and the majors. He had a very rough time with the Jays, posting a 2.57 WHIP. They outrighted him in mid-September. Rodriguez became a free agent in the fall and signed a minor league deal with the Pirates.
Stats
Transactions
September 2, 2015: Signed by the Texas Rangers as an international free agent.
September 20, 2020: Contract purchased by the Texas Rangers.
June 30, 2024: Traded by the Texas Rangers to the Toronto Blue Jays for Josh Mollerus.
September 15, 2024: Outrighted to AAA by the Toronto Blue Jays.
November 4, 2024: Became a free agent.
November 18, 2024: Signed as a minor league free agent by the Pittsburgh Pirates.