Rainiel Rodriguez

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked St. Louis Cardinals #5 prospect in 2025
  BA Grade/Risk: 55/Extreme
  
  Track Record: Signed in April of 2024 for $300,000, Rodriguez was born in the Dominican Republic but spent time at a Pennsylvania high school before moving back to the D.R. prior to signing. Rodriguez debuted in the Dominican Summer League and was one of its the top hitting prospects as he produced a .345/.462/.683 slash line with 10 home runs over 184 plate appearances. Rodriguez was selected to represent the National League in the DSL all-star game. He should debut stateside in the Florida Complex League to begin 2025.
  
  Scouting Report: A physically mature, bat-first catching prospect with major defensive questions but huge upside at the plate, Rodriguez dominated Dominican Summer League pitching only months after signing. He used a powerful righthanded swing to barrel balls consistently. Rodriguez has average bat-to-ball skills with a balanced approach and rarely misses a chance to attack a fastball in the zone. Rodriguez has plus power projection, and his 103.2 mph 90th percentile exit velocity was plus for a 17-year-old. He shows the ability to consistently hit the ball in the air and has already developed power to his pull side. He’s a well below-average runner who will likely be limited defensively. Rodriguez is a major question to stick behind the plate due to a below-average arm. There’s a strong chance he ends up at first base.
  
  The Future: Rodriguez is a prodigious hitter with defensive questions. He will face the challenge of the Florida Complex League in 2025.
  
  Scouting Grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 60 | Run: 30 | Field: 40 | Arm: 40.