Gabriel Rodriguez

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Cleveland Guardians #23 prospect in 2025
  BA Grade/Risk: 50/Extreme.
  
  Track Record: Rodriguez was a standout shortstop for Venezuela’s U-15 World Cup Americas Qualifier team and signed with the Guardians for $500,000 in their 2024 international class. He’s the son of Brewers Venezuelan supervisor Jose Rodriguez and earned praise for his advanced instincts and high baseball IQ. He played 37 games in the Dominican Summer League after signing and hit .269/.506/.398 with 39 walks and 27 strikeouts.
  
  Scouting Report: Rodriguez is a 6-foot, 161-pound lefthanded hitter who has a level swing and plenty of bat-to-ball skills with a frame that should fill out and add strength in the coming years. Scouts noted his advanced offensive approach and strong understanding of the strike zone, though at times his approach bordered on passive and will be challenged more when he faces pitchers who can more consistently attack him in the zone. Rodriguez isn’t super twitchy and he’s not a great runner, but he does have the sort of body control, hands, arm versatility and instincts to stick at shortstop. Scouts were impressed with his progress at the position as the season progressed, and it’s easy to see him becoming an above-average defender.
  
  The Future: Rodriguez has the foundations of a solid player on both sides of the ball but still needs to improve his strength and prove himself against better pitching.
  
  Scouting Grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 40 | Run: 45 | Field: 55 | Arm: 50.
• 
  Ranked Cleveland Guardians #21 prospect in 2023
  BA Grade/Risk: 50/Very High
  
  Track Record: Rodriguez was the No. 8 prospect in the 2018 international class and headlined Cleveland's signing class that year. He has moved swiftly, reaching high Class A Lake County as a 20-year-old in 2022, and has been among the youngest players at his level every step of the way.
  
  Scouting Report: Rodriguez has a solid all-around skill set. He has a short, quick swing and can drive the ball to all fields. He projects for solid power as he physically matures and learns how to consistently employ the power-packed swing he demonstrates at times. He cut way down on his strikeouts in 2022, and struck out in just 19.9% of his plate appearances, while also increasing his walk rate to 9.4%, a positive sign who has often been praised for his approach at the plate. Signed as a shortstop, Rodriguez has started to fill out his 6-foot-2 frame and primarily has played third base over the last two years. His strong arm and instinctive infield actions play well on the hot corner and he's likely to settle there.
  
  The Future: Rodriguez made encouraging progress in 2022, even while continuing to be one of the youngest players in his league. He'll look in 2023 to build on that momentum as he advances to Double-A Akron.
  
  Scouting Grades: Hit: 45. Power: 55. Speed: 45. Fielding: 50. Arm: 55.
• 
  Ranked Cleveland Guardians #18 prospect in 2022
  Track Record: Rodriguez was the eighth-ranked player overall in the 2018 international class and headlined Cleveland’s signing class that year. The Venezuelan got his professional career off to a good start in 2019, earning a midseason promotion to the Rookie-level Arizona League. He continued his precocious ways in 2021, as he was the second-youngest regular in Low-A East.
  
  Scouting Report: Rodriguez stands out for his all-around skill set. He has a short, quick swing and can drive the ball to all fields. His power mostly plays as doubles pop now, but projects to eventually hit for solid power as he physically matures and learns how to employ the power-packed swing he can show during batting practice all the time. Rodriguez was praised for his advanced approach at the plate at the outset of his pro career but struck out in 27.3% of his plate appearances in 2021 and will need to make more consistent contact as he advances in the minor leagues. Signed as a shortstop, Rodriguez has started to fill out his 6-foot-2 frame and played more third base in 2021. His strong arm and instinctive infield actions play well on the hot corner and he’s likely to settle in there.
  
  The Future: Like most players who are young for their level, Rodriguez faced some challenges in 2021. He’ll work in 2022 on making adjustments after his first full-season experience at High-A Lake County.
• 
  Ranked Cleveland Guardians #12 prospect in 2021
  TRACK RECORD: The Indians' 2018 international signing class wasn't as big as the 2017 group that produced three of the club's Top 10 prospects, but Rodriguez gives it a true headliner. The Venezuelan was the eighth-ranked player overall in the 2018 class and had an impressive professional debut in 2019, earning a midseason promotion to the Rookie-level Arizona League. He stayed in Arizona in 2020, playing at instructional league.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Rodriguez stands out for his consistency and all-around tools. He has a short, simple swing and an advanced approach at the plate. As he physically matures, he figures to develop at least average power and he has already shown the ability to drive balls to all fields. He's still learning to get to that power potential, and part of that adjustment is learning how to take his power-packed batting practice swing into games. Rodriguez has a bigger frame and may eventually outgrow shortstop. His strong arm and instincts will allow him to stay in the infield, likely at third base, if he does need to move.
  
  THE FUTURE: Rodriguez is advanced enough to follow an aggressive developmental track, much like the premium players in the 2017 class. He'll be 19 when the 2021 season opens and should soon be ready for low Class A.
• 
  Ranked Cleveland Guardians #10 prospect in 2020
  TRACK RECORD: The Venezuelan native was the eighth-ranked player overall in the 2018 international class and lived up to the hype with an impressive pro debut in 2019, earning a midseason promotion to the Rookie-level Arizona League.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Rodriguez stands out for his consistency and all-around tools. He has a short, simple swing and an advanced approach at the plate. As he physically matures, he figures to develop at least average power and he has already shown the ability to drive balls to all fields. He shows plenty of power potential during batting practice. The next step is to learn how to take it with him into games. His strong arm and instinctive actions will allow him to stay in the infield, likely at third base, if he does need to move.
  
  THE FUTURE: Rodriguez is advanced enough to follow an aggressive developmental track, much like the premium players in the 2017 class. That would likely mean he starts 2020 back in Arizona and will have a chance to advance to short-season Mahoning Valley later in the summer.
• 
  Ranked Cleveland Guardians #12 prospect in 2019
  Track Record: Rodriguez was the shortstop on Venezuela's 15U national team at the 2016 Pan American Championships and established himself as one of the best hitters in the 2018 international signing class. He was the eighth-ranked player in the class and headlined the Indians' international signings over the summer.
  
  Scouting Report: Rodriguez stands out for his consistency and all-around tools. He has a short, simple swing and an advanced approach at the plate. As he physically matures, he figures to develop average power and he has already shown the ability to drive balls to all fields. Rodriguez has a bigger frame and he may eventually outgrow shortstop. He has a strong arm and smooth actions that will allow him to stay in the infield, likely at third base, if he needs to move.
  
  The Future: The Indians have shown a willingness to be aggressive with their top international signings and if Rodriguez follows that path, he'll likely make his professional debut in the Rookie-level Arizona League.

• February, 2023 Scouting Report
  BA Grade/Risk: 50/Very High
  
  Track Record: Rodriguez was the No. 8 prospect in the 2018 international class and headlined Cleveland's signing class that year. He has moved swiftly, reaching high Class A Lake County as a 20-year-old in 2022, and has been among the youngest players at his level every step of the way.
  
  Scouting Report: Rodriguez has a solid all-around skill set. He has a short, quick swing and can drive the ball to all fields. He projects for solid power as he physically matures and learns how to consistently employ the power-packed swing he demonstrates at times. He cut way down on his strikeouts in 2022, and struck out in just 19.9% of his plate appearances, while also increasing his walk rate to 9.4%, a positive sign who has often been praised for his approach at the plate. Signed as a shortstop, Rodriguez has started to fill out his 6-foot-2 frame and primarily has played third base over the last two years. His strong arm and instinctive infield actions play well on the hot corner and he's likely to settle there.
  
  The Future: Rodriguez made encouraging progress in 2022, even while continuing to be one of the youngest players in his league. He'll look in 2023 to build on that momentum as he advances to Double-A Akron.
  
  Scouting Grades: Hit: 45. Power: 55. Speed: 45. Fielding: 50. Arm: 55.
• December, 2022 Scouting Report
  BA Grade/Risk: 50/Very High
  
  Track Record: Rodriguez was the No. 8 prospect in the 2018 international class and headlined Cleveland's signing class that year. He has moved swiftly, reaching high Class A Lake County as a 20-year-old in 2022, and has been among the youngest players at his level every step of the way.
  
  Scouting Report: Rodriguez has a solid all-around skill set. He has a short, quick swing and can drive the ball to all fields. He projects for solid power as he physically matures and learns how to consistently employ the power-packed swing he demonstrates at times. He cut way down on his strikeouts in 2022, and struck out in just 19.9% of his plate appearances, while also increasing his walk rate to 9.4%, a positive sign who has often been praised for his approach at the plate. Signed as a shortstop, Rodriguez has started to fill out his 6-foot-2 frame and primarily has played third base over the last two years. His strong arm and instinctive infield actions play well on the hot corner and he's likely to settle there.
  
  The Future: Rodriguez made encouraging progress in 2022, even while continuing to be one of the youngest players in his league. He'll look in 2023 to build on that momentum as he advances to Double-A Akron.
  
  Scouting Grades: Hit: 45. Power: 55. Speed: 45. Fielding: 50. Arm: 55.
• April, 2022 Scouting Report
  BA Grade: 50/Extreme
  
  Track Record:: Rodriguez was the eighth-ranked player overall in the 2018 international class and headlined Cleveland&#39s signing class that year. The Venezuelan got his professional career off to a good start in 2019, earning a midseason promotion to the Rookie-level Arizona League. He continued his precocious ways in 2021, as he was the second-youngest regular in Low-A East.
  
  Scouting Report: Rodriguez stands out for his all-around skill set. He has a short, quick swing and can drive the ball to all fields. His power mostly plays as doubles pop now, but projects to eventually hit for solid power as he physically matures and learns how to employ the power-packed swing he can show during batting practice all the time. Rodriguez was praised for his advanced approach at the plate at the outset of his pro career but struck out in 27.3% of his plate appearances in 2021 and will need to make more consistent contact as he advances in the minor leagues. Signed as a shortstop, Rodriguez has started to fill out his 6-foot-2 frame and played more third base in 2021. His strong arm and instinctive infield actions play well on the hot corner and he&#39s likely to settle in there.
  
  The Future: Like most players who are young for their level, Rodriguez faced some challenges in 2021. He&#39ll work in 2022 on making adjustments after his first full-season experience at High-A Lake County.
• December, 2021 Scouting Report
  Track Record: Rodriguez was the eighth-ranked player overall in the 2018 international class and headlined Cleveland’s signing class that year. The Venezuelan got his professional career off to a good start in 2019, earning a midseason promotion to the Rookie-level Arizona League. He continued his precocious ways in 2021, as he was the second-youngest regular in Low-A East.
  
  Scouting Report: Rodriguez stands out for his all-around skill set. He has a short, quick swing and can drive the ball to all fields. His power mostly plays as doubles pop now, but projects to eventually hit for solid power as he physically matures and learns how to employ the power-packed swing he can show during batting practice all the time. Rodriguez was praised for his advanced approach at the plate at the outset of his pro career but struck out in 27.3% of his plate appearances in 2021 and will need to make more consistent contact as he advances in the minor leagues. Signed as a shortstop, Rodriguez has started to fill out his 6-foot-2 frame and played more third base in 2021. His strong arm and instinctive infield actions play well on the hot corner and he’s likely to settle in there.
  
  The Future: Like most players who are young for their level, Rodriguez faced some challenges in 2021. He’ll work in 2022 on making adjustments after his first full-season experience at High-A Lake County.
• July, 2021 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: The Indians' 2018 international signing class wasn't as big as the 2017 group that produced three of the club's Top 10 prospects, but Rodriguez gives it a true headliner. The Venezuelan was the eighth-ranked player overall in the 2018 class and had an impressive professional debut in 2019, earning a midseason promotion to the Rookie-level Arizona League. He stayed in Arizona in 2020, playing at instructional league.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Rodriguez stands out for his consistency and all-around tools. He has a short, simple swing and an advanced approach at the plate. As he physically matures, he figures to develop at least average power and he has already shown the ability to drive balls to all fields. He's still learning to get to that power potential, and part of that adjustment is learning how to take his power-packed batting practice swing into games. Rodriguez has a bigger frame and may eventually outgrow shortstop. His strong arm and instincts will allow him to stay in the infield, likely at third base, if he does need to move.
  
  THE FUTURE: Rodriguez is advanced enough to follow an aggressive developmental track, much like the premium players in the 2017 class. He'll be 19 when the 2021 season opens and should soon be ready for low Class A.
• March, 2021 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: The Indians' 2018 international signing class wasn't as big as the 2017 group that produced three of the club's Top 10 prospects, but Rodriguez gives it a true headliner. The Venezuelan was the eighth-ranked player overall in the 2018 class and had an impressive professional debut in 2019, earning a midseason promotion to the Rookie-level Arizona League. He stayed in Arizona in 2020, playing at instructional league.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Rodriguez stands out for his consistency and all-around tools. He has a short, simple swing and an advanced approach at the plate. As he physically matures, he figures to develop at least average power and he has already shown the ability to drive balls to all fields. He's still learning to get to that power potential, and part of that adjustment is learning how to take his power-packed batting practice swing into games. Rodriguez has a bigger frame and may eventually outgrow shortstop. His strong arm and instincts will allow him to stay in the infield, likely at third base, if he does need to move.
  
  THE FUTURE: Rodriguez is advanced enough to follow an aggressive developmental track, much like the premium players in the 2017 class. He'll be 19 when the 2021 season opens and should soon be ready for low Class A.
• December, 2020 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: The Indians' 2018 international signing class wasn't as big as the 2017 group that produced three of the club's Top 10 prospects, but Rodriguez gives it a true headliner. The Venezuelan was the eighth-ranked player overall in the 2018 class and had an impressive professional debut in 2019, earning a midseason promotion to the Rookie-level Arizona League. He stayed in Arizona in 2020, playing at instructional league.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Rodriguez stands out for his consistency and all-around tools. He has a short, simple swing and an advanced approach at the plate. As he physically matures, he figures to develop at least average power and he has already shown the ability to drive balls to all fields. He's still learning to get to that power potential, and part of that adjustment is learning how to take his power-packed batting practice swing into games. Rodriguez has a bigger frame and may eventually outgrow shortstop. His strong arm and instincts will allow him to stay in the infield, likely at third base, if he does need to move.
  
  THE FUTURE: Rodriguez is advanced enough to follow an aggressive developmental track, much like the premium players in the 2017 class. He'll be 19 when the 2021 season opens and should soon be ready for low Class A.
• February, 2020 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: The Venezuelan native was the eighth-ranked player overall in the 2018 international class and lived up to the hype with an impressive pro debut in 2019, earning a midseason promotion to the Rookie-level Arizona League.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Rodriguez stands out for his consistency and all-around tools. He has a short, simple swing and an advanced approach at the plate. As he physically matures, he figures to develop at least average power and he has already shown the ability to drive balls to all fields. He shows plenty of power potential during batting practice. The next step is to learn how to take it with him into games. His strong arm and instinctive actions will allow him to stay in the infield, likely at third base, if he does need to move.
  
  THE FUTURE: Rodriguez is advanced enough to follow an aggressive developmental track, much like the premium players in the 2017 class. That would likely mean he starts 2020 back in Arizona and will have a chance to advance to short-season Mahoning Valley later in the summer.
• February, 2019 Scouting Report
  Track Record: Rodriguez was the shortstop on Venezuela's 15U national team at the 2016 Pan American Championships and established himself as one of the best hitters in the 2018 international signing class. He was the eighth-ranked player in the class and headlined the Indians' international signings over the summer.
  
  Scouting Report: Rodriguez stands out for his consistency and all-around tools. He has a short, simple swing and an advanced approach at the plate. As he physically matures, he figures to develop average power and he has already shown the ability to drive balls to all fields. Rodriguez has a bigger frame and he may eventually outgrow shortstop. He has a strong arm and smooth actions that will allow him to stay in the infield, likely at third base, if he needs to move.
  
  The Future: The Indians have shown a willingness to be aggressive with their top international signings and if Rodriguez follows that path, he'll likely make his professional debut in the Rookie-level Arizona League.