Scouting grades 20–80
55Hit
50Power
50Run
50Field
50Arm
Rodriguez has evolved as a player since stepping foot in Austin, physically and athletically transforming into a real day one contributor as a freshman. While a hand injury he had to play through complicated things throughout his sophomore year, Rodriguez has still shown flashes of becoming a true star in Austin. His legendary 2026 postseason performance further confirmed that, and the hope is that a fully healthy hand will only help the tools shine.
A switch hitter, Rodriguez cork screws deep into his back hip, leveraging the ground well, and utilizing a controlled leg kick to time up. It’s remarkably quick hips through the zone with legit bat speed Rodriguez will flash when turning on a pitch thrown towards the inner-half. There's more power than Rodriguez has shown so far throughout his college career, with the potential for him to grow into 20+ home runs at the peaks of his career. Getting the ball in the air to his pull-side will continue to be an emphasis. Rodriguez is an exceptionally mature hitter in the box with great strike zone judgment and above-average to plus bat-to-ball skills. It's a hit tool that has stood the test of SEC competition so far.
Rodriguez has improved year-over-year on the dirt under the instruction of Troy Tulowitzki, and now may get a legitimate chance to play shortstop at the next level. His solid-average arm strength is plenty for the position. Rodriguez may not be a burner, but he's at least an average runner with an exceptional understanding of how to use his legs on the bases.
