8 Blue Jays prospects that will make their MLB debuts in 2024

Alan Roden (MLB Pipeline #7, JaysProspectus #5)

Roden is a 23-year-old left-handed hitting outfielder who played at High-A and Double-A in 2023. A 2022 3rd round pick, he dominated in his first full professional season. Not a flashy hitter but impressive all the same, Roden had a 150 wRC+ at High-A and then went on to post a 147 wRC+ at Double-A.

He has an unorthodox stance in which he holds his hands extremely high, reminiscent of another elite contact hitter Nolan Schanuel. Roden is rarely beat to a spot but also rarely expands the zone which makes him a difficult at-bat for any pitcher. He's a natural line drive hitter who runs a high BABIP which in combination with his great plate skills is a 60 grade hit tool. He's capable of hitting the ball hard but is not a power hitter by trade and is unlikely to give the Jays anything more than 10-12 home runs annually. Roden is a pretty good athlete who stole 24 bases this year and plays an average to above-average corner outfield.

Hit over power corner outfielders are a difficult demographic but Roden is very advanced and has the advantage of batting left-handed. He has yet to play at Triple-A but given that he'll be 24 on Opening Day, it shouldn't be a surprise that we'll likely see Roden sooner rather than later.