Elmer Rodríguez

Scouting Report

Rodríguez was the lightest player (160 pounds) and third-youngest pitcher (17 years, 11 months) selected in the 2021 Draft, where the Red Sox popped him in the fourth round. Boston swapped him along with international bonus pool money to acquire Carlos Narváez from the Yankees at the 2024 Winter Meetings in a deal that looks like it will benefit both clubs. In his first season with his new organization, he rose from High-A to Triple-A while ranking second in the Minors in strikeouts (176), fifth in innings (150) and eighth in ERA (2.58) and opponent average (.192). Rodríguez's stuff made a jump in 2024 and improved across the board last year, giving him four solid or better pitches. His best offering is a four-seam fastball that now sits at 96 mph and reaches 99 with bat-missing carry and some armside run. His top secondary weapon is an 82-85 mph slider with sweep and depth, while his upper-70s curveball and upper-80s splitter/changeup elicit more chases. As Rodríguez has gained strength -- he's at least 20 pounds heavier than his listed 160 -- he has found it easier to keep his long limbs in sync, repeat his delivery and throw strikes. He uses his athleticism to get down the mound well and create quality extension that allows his pitches to get on hitters quicker than expected. He's looking more and more like a mid-rotation starter, and there still may be more projection in his frame.