Despite being selected third overall in the 2015 draft and initially regarded as a top prospect, Brendan Rodgers has struggled to meet expectations at the MLB level. His offensive performance has been below par, and while there were glimpses of promise, injuries and inconsistency have hindered his career progress. His recent seasons show an improved approach, yet the Yankees face uncertainty regarding whether he can be the infield solution they seek.
Rodgers' defense at second base has been notable, with a combined 3.1 wins above replacement recorded over the past two seasons, according to FanGraphs. Baseball Reference rated him even higher in 2022, assigning him 4.3 WAR for that year alone, creating a notable disparity in evaluations. However, his strong defensive ratings are offset by a troubling bat, which has raised questions about his overall value to prospective teams.
Rodgers' offensive numbers have declined after a promising start, with a .258/.313/.388 slash line in 2023 and just a slight improvement to .267/.314/.407 in 2024. Observers remain cautious, as his injury history from the 2023 season and subpar performance raises concerns about whether he can return to form. Furthermore, while he showed signs of improvement towards the end of the most recent season, the inconsistency in both defense and batting is alarming.
Looking for a silver lining, Rodgers did show some improvement as the season progressed, highlighting a .262/.306/.383 batting line in the second half of the season. This signals a potential for growth that, if fostered correctly, could see him rediscovering his earlier promise. However, the questions surrounding his ability to deliver consistently remain a significant factor for teams like the Yankees, who are exploring infield options. His future will depend not only on his recovery from injury but also on his performance in upcoming seasons.
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