Blue Jays Nation’s Mid-Season Prospect Countdown – No. 12: Alan Roden

Sep 4, 2023, 07:00 EDTUpdated: Sep 7, 2023, 16:41 EDT

This article’s prospect has had one of the biggest breakout seasons in the Blue Jays system.

Just a quick recap of the mid-season list: We’ll look at the player’s stats, my observations, and finally other publications (Prospects Live, MLB Pipeline, Baseball America)’ scouting reports.

Let’s take a look at Alan Roden.

Getting to know Alan Roden…

Position: Outfielder

Bats: Left

Born: December 22, 1999

Acquired: 3rd round, 2022 draft (Blue Jays)

Current Team: Double-A New Hampshire

Previous Ranking: 30

The 2022 draftee has had a massive season at the High-A and Double-A levels. Roden started his professional career with the Single-A Dunedin Blue Jays where he had a fine season. However, he started the season with the Vancouver Canadians and absolutely dominated, slashing .321/.437/.459 with four homers in 323 plate appearances. Roden also had a higher BB% (13%) than K% (9.9%) with Vancouver.

Many prospects struggle to transition from the lower minors to the upper minors, but Roden has been even better with the Double-A Fisher Cats, slashing .336/.444/.515 with six homers in 162 plate appearances. Roden also has the same BB% of 13%, but his K% has jumped to 14.8%.

Roden’s best tool by far is his hit tool. On top of being able to hit for a high average, he can get to any ball in the zone, has a high contact rate, and has a great eye at the plate. Not just that, but Roden’s power has really come on this season. He stands at 5’11” and 215 lbs, so there may not be a ton more projection left, but he could hit 10-15 homers a year.

Defensively, he is an average fielder with an average arm. Despite his fringe speed, he has excellent base running instincts, as he’s 22/26 in stolen base attempts this year.

Roden may make the majors sooner rather than later. The Jays knew he wasn’t too far away as he was a polished hitter for the Creighton Blue Jays, but his 2023 season gives him an estimated arrival time somewhere in the 2024 season.