Adrian Rondon

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Tampa Bay Rays #14 prospect in 2017
  Rondon was the top-rated prospect in the 2014 international class and signed with the Rays for $2.95 million when he turned 16. He hit under .200 in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League in a disappointing 2015 debut, but made significant progress in 2016. He worked out with Willy Adames before the season began, and Rays officials believe Rondon's exposure to Adames' work ethic and enthusiasm had a profound impact. Rondon advanced to the Rookie-level Appalachian League and flashed explosive tools if not standout performance. His best attribute is his plus raw power, which allows him to drive the ball out to any part of the ballpark. He has loose wrists and life in his bat, though his bat path has length from a high hand set that's geared for powerful contact. Rondon consistently impacts the ball when he makes contact, though he has a tendency to expand the strike zone and chase breaking pitches. Defensively, he has sound hands and an above-average arm, and he appears likely to end up at third base as he continues to bulk up. Scouts believe Rondon can be a quality defender at the hot corner, but he needs to continue improving offensively.
• 
  Ranked Tampa Bay Rays #18 prospect in 2016
  Rondon was the top prospect in the 2014 international class, known for his game-ready skills and feel for hitting. The Rays signed him for $2.95 million when he turned 16, and he made his pro debut in 2015. Rondon's U.S. arrival drew mixed reviews in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League. Rondon ranked dead-last among qualified hitters in batting (.166) and finished second in the GCL in strikeouts (57). The plus bat speed that made him a promising offensive prospect a year ago remains in place, but he's still learning how to use it against quality pitching. In his first season, Rondon worked on allowing pitches to go deeper into the hitting zone, attempting to gain a better feel for the speed of the game and also drive the ball to the opposite field more regularly. Defensively, he may move off of shortstop as his body continues to develop, though he showed soft hands and the requisite arm strength for the left side of the infield in 2015. Rondon is a below-average runner. Just 17, he probably will return to the GCL in 2016.
• 
  Ranked Tampa Bay Rays #4 prospect in 2015
  Rondon was deemed the top international talent in 2014, and the Rays proved their interest by signing him for $2.95 million on his 16th birthday. He has consistently showed an advanced feel for the game against older competition. Rondon has a full range of tools with impressive intangibles that allow him to produce in game situations. An advanced hitter for a young international player, Rondon has good bat speed with a quick, compact stroke. His hands work well and he makes consistent contact against high velocity. He has excellent balance and does a good job of spraying line drives to all fields. He has shown above-average patience with an ability to work counts. Rondon has a live, athletic frame that should allow him to remain at short. He has soft hands and above-average arm strength, and plays under control. While he needs to improve his footwork, his range is a tick above-average and should improve with experience. Tampa Bay believes Rondon has the elite ability to become an impact player at a premium position. He has drawn comparisons to Starlin Castro and Hanley Ramirez and could move quickly once he establishes a foundation in pro ball. Rondon will make his debut next summer in the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League or Gulf Coast League.

Minor League Top Prospects

• 
  Ranked American League #7 prospect in 2016
  Rondon, the No. 1 prospect in the 2014 international class, struggled in his pro debut in 2015, but he rebounded well at Princeton, showing flashes on both sides of the ball and playing with more energy than he had before. Rondon's profile is built around his plus righthanded power, which plays to all fields and comes from his plus bat speed and relatively long arms. He showed power to all fields this summer, and his power projects as plus. Rondon has some length to his swing, with a wrap hitch to his load, but he has fluid hands and the loose wrists to make adjustments. Defensively, he projects to stay on the left side of the infield, though some evaluators question his actions and quickness at shortstop and see third base as a better fit.

• December, 2014 Scouting Report
  Rondon was deemed the top international talent in 2014, and the Rays proved their interest by signing him for $2.95 million on his 16th birthday. He has consistently showed an advanced feel for the game against older competition. Rondon has a full range of tools with impressive intangibles that allow him to produce in game situations. An advanced hitter for a young international player, Rondon has good bat speed with a quick, compact stroke. His hands work well and he makes consistent contact against high velocity. He has excellent balance and does a good job of spraying line drives to all fields. He has shown above-average patience with an ability to work counts. Rondon has a live, athletic frame that should allow him to remain at short. He has soft hands and above-average arm strength, and plays under control. While he needs to improve his footwork, his range is a tick above-average and should improve with experience. Tampa Bay believes Rondon has the elite ability to become an impact player at a premium position. He has drawn comparisons to Starlin Castro and Hanley Ramirez and could move quickly once he establishes a foundation in pro ball. Rondon will make his debut next summer in the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League or Gulf Coast League.