RADIO
BALLER MOVE: Target ~ 310
CURRENT ADP: 330
ANALYSIS: It seems like Eduardo Rodriguez has been talked about forever, but the power lefty only turns 25 in April; this is shocking to say the least. Rodriguez has had trouble staying on the field the past few seasons due to right knee injuries, but when healthy he has shown promise. He was close to a breakout in 2017 before he got hurt, posting a 2.77 ERA through the end of May. The strikeouts spiked too as he finished the season at 9.8 K/9; he’s now increased his strikeout rate in each of his three MLB seasons.
Despite the up-and-down season that could likely be attributed to his health, Rodriguez finished strong with a 3.33 ERA (3.59 xFIP) and a 28% strikeout rate in September and October while limiting opponents to a paltry .226 BA on a .very normal 299 BABIP.
After having offseason knee surgery, Rodriguez will miss at least the first month of the season, but has told reporters he feels much more comfortable now. This is a pitcher who likely will not be on many managers’ radars right now, so stashing him anywhere after pick 300 is as low risk as you can get. This late in the draft you want upside, and Rodriguez presents a better bet to make a difference than similarly priced guys like Dan Straily (320 ADP) and Mike Leake (323 ADP). The floor is lower, but the ceiling is much, much higher. Take that higher ceiling.
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