The Philliles announced that they have selected outfielder Johan Rojas to their 40-man roster. Today is the deadline for teams to add players to their rosters in order to protect them from being selected in the Rule 5 draft.
Rojas, 22, was an international free agent signing of the club in 2018. Since then, he has been considered one of the club’s top prospects, largely based on his speed and defense. Here in 2022, he split his time between High-A and Double-A, stealing 62 bases in 130 games while playing all three outfield spots but mostly in center field.
His bat isn’t quite as exciting as the rest of his game, however. His combined batting line on the year was .244/.309/.354 for a wRC+ of 83. With the baserunning and the glovework, he should have a nice floor, though a step forward at the plate could turn him into an exciting and well-rounded player.
Even without a strong bat, he could be a nice fit on a Phillies’ team that already has plenty of thump from the outfield grass. With Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber and Nick Castellanos all signed for years to come, adding in a speed-and-defense option could be a nice complement. Brandon Marsh will be that guy for now, as Rojas looks to tackle the upper levels of the minors.
For the roles Matt Vierling probably serves (defense, backup CF, right handed OFer hitter, pinch runner), Rojas is probably better at every one of those things except the hitting part. Hes the type of dude with the tools a team with a shallow bench would take in rule 5 in hopes of getting him some PR appearances and letting him run around in the OF
Let’s not forget Simon Muzziotti as well. If he can stay healthy he could be the best of the three overall.
I think you’re selling Vierling a bit short, but I agree with the premise. It’s nice to have options.
I feel like Trading Rojas makes the most sense now that the Phillies acquired Marsh and drafted Justin Crawford.
As long as it brings pitching.
Couldn’t agree more
If you get a great offer, let it roll. If Marsh goes south in the next couple of years, maybe Rojas is a nice plug until you get to Crawford. Otherwise, never a bad thing to have talented bodies in the minors.
Veirling has shown to be a pretty clutch hitter early on in his career. Sometimes stuff like that is hard to quantify.
I may be prejudiced since I live here in Surprise, Az where Rojas looked great as a member of our Saguaros’ Championship AFL team, but it sounds like commenters here are underestimating his huge potential. He played most the season at age 21 and stole a total of 75 bases out of 80 attempts while playing an elite level CF. With a solid showing next Spring, he could be ready to battle Vierling for the spot as #4 OF
Eh, I don’t see 2023 OD as an eta. His bat is still raw and he’s played little above AA. Vierling, Muzz, Guthrie, and others should be ahead of him right now.