- Full name Jhonny Manuel Rodriguez
- Born 07/20/1996 in Esperanza Valverde Mao, Dominican Republic
- Profile Ht.: 6'3" / Wt.: 170 / Bats: L / Throws: L
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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The Athletics ponied up $300,000 to sign Rodriguez as soon as he became eligible on his 16th birthday in 2012. Two years in the Dominican Summer League didn't yield spectacular results, but Rodriguez held his own as an 18-year-old in his U.S. debut last year in the Rookie-level Arizona League. He has an easy, smooth swing from the left side and makes hard contact to all fields. His projectable raw power mainly shows up in the form of doubles right now but it's a potential plus tool down the road. He shows some feel for hitting for his age, though he tended to get overeager as the season went on. Rodriguez has the arm strength to play right field, but he's not much of a runner and there are worries about how much athleticism he'll ultimately have. Regardless of where he plays, his bat will be carry him. Short-season Vermont would be his most likely destination in 2016, although a trip to low Class A Beloit is a possibility.