Fast-rising prospect named Blue Jays Minor Leaguer of the Year

Alan Roden represents a glimmer of hope for the future in a trying year for the Toronto Blue Jays and their fanbase. The outfielder was named the organization’s Minor League Player of the Year. After creating a buzz late last summer and arriving as one of the players to watch in spring training, the corner outfielder is poised to make his MLB debut in 2025.

Roden began this season at Double-A New Hampshire and quickly showed why he’s so highly regarded. In 54 games with the Fisher-Cats, the former Creighton star hit .267, with seven homers, 27 RBI, and a .805 OPS. 

Initially, the promotion proved challenging as Roden hit just .153 over his first 18 games with the Buffalo Bisons. The 24-year-old rebounded by hitting .371 with a 1.042 OPS over the next 50 games. In 125 total games, the Jays’ 12th-ranked prospect hit .293 with 16 home runs, 75 RBI, 16 stolen bases, and a .866 OPS.

The adjustments made at the plate have earned the 2022 third-round pick high praise from Blue Jays farm director Joe Sclafani and have put Roden in line for a call-up next season. He’s benefitted from being open-minded about his batting stance which featured high hand placement near his head when his professional career began. Working in concert with Blue Jays staff, Roden adopted a different approach during camp with his hands lower. When he struggled following his promotion to Triple-A, the left-handed hitter settled on a stance that placed his hands at a more moderate level. 

The retooling has Roden feeling more comfortable at the plate and ready to attack pitches, “I want to feel back with my hands when my foot’s getting down, so I feel a stretch. I feel like if I’m stretched, I’m ready to move on any pitch and ready to go at any time.”

The Wisconsin native has worked hard to be in this position and now finds himself in the mix for a roster spot as an outfielder battling in a competition that could include Joey Loperfido, Jonatan Clase, and Nathan Lukes.