Today’s prospect could impact the Toronto Blue Jays big league team sooner rather than later.
This is Blue Jays Nation’s annual Pre-Season Prospect Countdown, this time looking at the top 40 prospects in the organization. We’ll look at the player’s stats, my observations, and other publications’ scouting reports if available.
Let’s take a look at our second-best Blue Jays prospect, Alan Roden!
Getting to know Alan Roden…
Position: Outfielder
Bats: Left
Born: December 22, 1999
Acquired: 3rd-round, 2022 draft
Previous ranking: 6
After spending his three collegiate seasons with the Creighton Bluejays, Roden was selected by the Toronto Blue Jays with their third-round pick in the 2022 draft. Roden made his professional debut the same season with the Single-A Dunedin Blue Jays, slashing .233/.374/.311 with one home run in 115 plate appearances.
In 2023, his career took off as he split it between High-A and Double-A, slashing .317/.430/.459 with 10 home runs in 532 plate appearances. Moreover, the outfielder had a higher BB% (12.8%) than K% (12 K%) to finish with a 149 wRC+.
Roden took a step back (by his standards) in Double-A last season. Overall, he slashed .267/.373/.432 with seven home runs in 244 plate appearances, with an 11.9 BB% and a 13.9 K% for a 133 wRC+. However, his numbers improved in Triple-A as he slashed .314/.406/.510 with nine home runs in 286 plate appearances.
Overall, Roden slashed .293/.391/.475 with a career-best 16 home runs with a 136 wRC+. His K% stood at 14.2% while he walked at a high clip (12.1%). Most importantly, the power in his bat developed which has helped raise his stock.
In their 2024 mid-season update, Roden ranked as MLB Pipeline’s 12th-best Blue Jays prospect. His best tool is hit hit tool, as they note he has a great approach at the plate and gets on base. The power needed to develop for Roden to take another step, and it did in 2024. Moreover, he has a high floor as a corner outfielder with slightly below-average speed.
As always, you can follow me on Bluesky @ryleydelaney.bsky.social.
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