You can never have enough depth in Major League Baseball.
On Friday, the Philadelphia Phillies acquired promising infield prospect José Rodríguez from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for cash considerations. Rodríguez was among the top six prospects in the White Sox organization over the past two seasons, according to MLB Pipeline. With a career .283 average and a .769 OPS in five minor league seasons, the 22-year-old definitely knows a thing or two about hitting.
Rodríguez provides the valuable combination of both power and speed. He has averaged double-digit home runs and 30+ stolen bases with close to an 80 percent success rate in each of his past three seasons. Last year, Rodríguez produced a career-high 21 home runs to go along with a .262 average, 74 runs scored, 19 doubles, 62 RBI and 31 stolen bases over 106 games split between Double-A and Triple-A.
The right-handed hitter was finally called up to the big leagues in 2023, but saw minimal action. He never made a plate appearance but scored one run from a pinch-running assignment.
Rodríguez fills out the Phillies' 40-man roster as the No. 28 prospect
Following a less-than-stellar spring for Rodríguez, he was designated for assignment by the White Sox to make room on their 40-man roster for the recently signed Mike Clevinger. As a result, it paved the way for the trade with Philadelphia as the Phillies had an open spot on its 40-man roster after the Jake Cave trade at the end of spring training.
Able to play second, third, and shortstop, MLB Pipeline placed the newest Phillies minor leaguer at No. 28 in the team's Top 30 prospects.
The Phillies yesterday acquired INF José Rodriguez from the White Sox for cash considerations. @MLBPipeline placed him 28th on the Phillies' top 30 prospects list. https://t.co/EcHFQAcvjg
— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) April 6, 2024
With options still remaining, Rodríguez will begin his Phillies tenure in Double-A with the Reading Fightin Phils. In doing so, he aims to work his way potentially to a major league call-up once again in the near future. But with his track record of having a solid batting average to go along with his elite wheels and consistent pop in his bat, it could come sooner rather than later.