In a rare moment of singled-out praise, Toronto Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins highlighted a rising star in the farm system: outfielder Alan Roden. Noted for his impressive development, Roden has positioned himself for a fast track through the system. Atkins’ comment, which was shared by MLB.com’s Blue Jays beat writer Keegan Matheson, is significant because it’s uncommon for Atkins to single out an individual player.
“I’ll single out and put some pressure on Alan Roden,” Atkins said. “He’s done so much to put himself in a position to move through the system quickly. The way he goes about his job- the contact rates, the shape of his offense, the fact that it’s both side of the ball and base running, stealing bases, plays defense at a solid level- very physical with upside through power. He’s an exciting piece and hopefully, I haven’t put too much pressure on him.”
Ross Atkins Praises Alan Roden
After a challenging start at Triple-A Buffalo, where Alan Roden hit just .153 over his first 18 games, he made significant adjustments to his batting approach. Roden altered his batting stance to “free some things up” and adopted a more aggressive mindset in certain counts. These changes paid off, as evidenced by his impressive .354/.411/.594 slash line with four home runs over 26 games in August. Over his final 48 games with Triple-A Buffalo, he hit .337 with a 1.081 OPS.
ICYMI: Alan Roden’s 20th multi-hit game of the season helped the Buffalo Bisons record a 3-2 comeback victory over the Gwinnett Stripers on Thursday night at Coolray Field. The two teams were able to play through rain showers that persisted throughout the game. pic.twitter.com/wu8Br0aXSK
— Buffalo Bisons (@BuffaloBisons) September 13, 2024
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In 125 games at Double-A New Hampshire and Buffalo, Roden batted .293/.391/.475 with 16 home runs and 14 stolen bases.
Blue Jays Outfield Uncertainities
Despite signing Anthony Santander and with George Springer’s recent decline—marked by a .220 batting average in 2024—the Blue Jays’ outfield still faces uncertainties. Santander is slated for left field, but questions remain about overall depth and performance. Roden’s strong plate discipline and ability to draw walks make him a compelling option to fill gaps, especially during Daulton Varsho’s rehabilitation. Roden’s recent adjustments and success at the plate further bolster his case for a potential major league role.
When asked by Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi about Roden’s pathway to the majors, Atkins responded, “More likely, it’s later in the season. We don’t want it to depend on an injury if he’s the best option to make us better. There are a lot of possibilities—guys like Jonatan Clase, Joey Loperfido, Josh Kasevich, or even Jake Bloss. If any of them are the best alternative for us, then they’ll be on the team.”
If promoted, Roden would also bring valuable defensive versatility to the Blue Jays. He played 53 games in left field, 59 in right field, and 4 in center field last season, showing he can handle multiple outfield positions. His ability to move around could be crucial, allowing the team to rotate players while maintaining a solid defensive alignment. Whether as a platoon option, a late-game defensive replacement, or even a temporary starter, Roden has the tools to contribute in various roles.
Main Photo: © Mike Watters-Imagn Images
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