Future Games Q&A: MJ Rodriguez
April 23, 2020
TESTMONIAL
How has your experience with PBR Texas helped your recruiting process?
MJ: PBR helped my recruiting process tremendously. I attended PBR Futures Games in Indianapolis. Now having signed my LOI to Oklahoma State University, Coach Walton, told me after seeing me at that PBR event, really pushed him over the top to recruit me furthermore.
Describe your experience at PBR Events?
MJ: Every event I participated in was very laid back, not so uptight, and personally I enjoyed that. Making players jobs a lot easier because of the fact that they are comfortable with who’s around them.
MJ: Every event I participated in was very laid back, not so uptight, and personally I enjoyed that. Making players jobs a lot easier because of the fact that they are comfortable with who’s around them.
Describe your experience at the Future Games?
MJ: Easily the best event I attended. Not only because of the amount of exposure but just from the connections I made with players and the PBR coach’s/staff.
MJ: Easily the best event I attended. Not only because of the amount of exposure but just from the connections I made with players and the PBR coach’s/staff.
What advice would you offer to other players who have to opportunity to attend the Future Games, or why they should attend a PBR Showcase?
MJ: All I have to say is, if someone has that opportunity, do not miss out! It’s an experience of a lifetime and could ultimately change your whole recruiting process for the better!
How was your interaction with the PBR Staff at Events, High School Games, or any other setting
MJ: Every PBR staff member has been extremely helpful and welcoming. That’s one of the main reasons PBR is my most preferred event over any others. The staff had never made me feel as if they are above me, and treated me and others with respect, making the environment free and easy. So as players you don’t have to feel an overwhelming sense of tension, and you get to just play the game you love.
MJ: Every PBR staff member has been extremely helpful and welcoming. That’s one of the main reasons PBR is my most preferred event over any others. The staff had never made me feel as if they are above me, and treated me and others with respect, making the environment free and easy. So as players you don’t have to feel an overwhelming sense of tension, and you get to just play the game you love.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT
MJ Rodriguez
Class of 2020 / 1B
Player Information
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Graduating Class: 2020
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Primary Position: 1BSecondary Position: C
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High School: Veterans MemorialState: TX
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Height: 5-11Weight: 245lbs
- Bat/Throw: R/R
Statistics
Position
7.33
60-yard
2.04 - 2.15
Pop Time
82
INF Velo
76
C Velo
105
Exit Velo
Videos
(8/1/18)
Player News
- PBR JUCO: Top 150 Prospects - Jan 2, 2023
- San Antonio Baseball Classic - Mar 12, 2019
- South Texas Underclass Games: Top Prospects (Part 1) - Sep 6, 2018
- South Texas Underclass Games: Catching Analysis - Sep 4, 2018
- Future Games Analysis: Infielders - Aug 20, 2018
- 2018 Future Games: Day 3 - Aug 9, 2018
- Texas Future Games Preview - Jul 31, 2018
- South Texas Underclass Games: Top Statistical Performers - Jul 20, 2018
- South Texas Underclass Games: Quick Hits - Jul 19, 2018
Scouting Report
8.5.18
Rodriguez has made a serious push as one of the top hitters in the Texas 2020 class. He has a great mix of power, barrel awareness, and ability to use the whole field that is not easy to find. The right-handed hitter put on a show in batting practice, crushing balls over the left field wall and posting triple digit exit velocities. In multiple at bats over the week, Rodriguez showed his ability to handle the bat, taking aggressive hacks early in the count, and still being able to get hits on offspeed pitches with two strikes. Moves easy at first base with the smooth footwork, rhythm and the glove actions that project well to the next level. At 5-foot-11, 245-pounds, Rodriguez has a strong, sturdy frame and enough athleticism to post a 7.33 60-yard dash.
7.17.18
A strong, sturdy 5-foot-11, 225-pound frame, there are few 2020 sluggers with Rodriguez’s tools. The right-handed hitter starts in an athletic, slightly-open stance with some wiggle in his hands. In conjunction with a small leg lift and a low-to-high load, Rodriguez showed loose wrists, a compact, lifting swing with uncommon force among rising juniors (105 mph exit velocity), hitting multiple batting practice balls off of and over the left field wall. His bat lags well through the zone, tremendous feel for his barrel, with a great understanding for the rhythm in his swing, and incredibly strong at the point of attack. Behind the plate, he showed a short, quick arm stroke with decent carry (76 mph) and accuracy around the bag. He threw 76 mph from the crouch, posting pop times of 2.04-2.15. Playing at first base, he flashed soft hands, good footwork, and solid fundamentals. For college coaches looking for a thumper in the middle of their lineup, there are few 2020 players with Rodriguez’s power potential.