AB | 372 |
---|---|
AVG | .245 |
OBP | .31 |
SLG | .336 |
HR | 6 |
- Full name Jefferson Rojas
- Born 04/25/2005 in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
- Profile Ht.: 5'10" / Wt.: 150 / Bats: R / Throws: R
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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BA Grade/Risk: 50/High.
Track Record: Rojas was one of the more highly touted players from the 2022 signing class to emerge out of the Dominican Republic. The Cubs landed him for $1 million, and he made his pro debut that June in the Dominican Summer League. Rojas was selected as a DSL all-star in a season in which he hit .303/.391/.407. To begin 2023, Rojas needed only one game in the Arizona Complex League before the Cubs promoted him to Low-A Myrtle Beach, where he hit .268/.345/.404 as an 18-year-old. Rojas spent all of 2024 with High-A South Bend, hitting .245/.310/.336 in 96 games as one of the youngest qualified hitters in the Midwest League.
Scouting Report: While Rojas’ 2024 statistics don’t jump off the page, his underlying data shows the makings of a strong contact hitter with a balanced approach and projection for fringe-average to average power. While the combination of the Midwest League’s treacherous hitting environment and his youth likely dragged down Rojas’ numbers, he did show the ability to hit a variety of pitch types and handle velocity. Rojas boasts above-average-or-better contact rates against all pitch types, and he has a good balance of patience and aggression. Rojas’ underlying power metrics are above-average for his age and level, and he shows a knack for getting the ball in the air consistently. On the bases, Rojas is an average runner who gets good jumps and can be a threat to steal bases. He’s an average fielder at shortstop and might ultimately move to second base, but his above-average arm could allow him to stick on the left side of the infield.
The Future: Rojas is a talented young player with advanced bat-to-ball skills and the ability to stick in the dirt. He should develop into an average everyday regular.
Scouting Grades Hit: 55 | Power: 45 | Run: 50 | Fielding: 50 | Arm: 55 -
BA Grade: 55/Extreme
Track Record: Rojas put together a consistent track record of hitting throughout his amateur career in the Dominican Republic. He solidified himself as one of the top hitters in the 2021 international class and signed with the Cubs for $1 million on the first day the signing period opened. Rojas made his U.S. debut in 2023 and generated major buzz when he homered off veteran Zach Davies during a rehab start in extended spring training. He played only one game in the Arizona Complex League before the Cubs promoted him to Low-A Myrtle Beach, where took over as the Pelicans’ starting shortstop and No. 3 hitter as an 18-year-old.
Scouting Report: Rojas is advanced beyond his years as a hitter. He has a fast, compact righthanded swing that is direct to the ball and makes loud contact off the barrel. He has few holes for pitchers to exploit and controls the strike zone with a mature, consistent approach. He projects to be an above-average hitter and has above-average raw power that could get better as he gets stronger. He’s an average runner who makes tight turns on the bases and is an efficient basestealer. Rojas is a steady, smart defender at shortstop with good instincts and quick reactions. He isn’t overly rangy, but he positions himself well and makes all the routine plays. He has an above-average, accurate arm and projects to stick at the position as an average defender.
The Future: Rojas was one of the most productive 18-year-old hitters in full-season ball in 2023. His numbers look even better in the context of the pitcher-friendly Carolina League and with half his games played at Myrtle Beach, a pitcher’s park. Rojas is trending up and is a candidate to take another jump in 2024. He projects to be a bat-first shortstop who could be an all-around contributor.
Scouting Grades Hit: 55 | Power: 55 | Run: 50 | Field: 50 | Arm: 55