Prediction Model Is Very High on Surprise Guardians Outfielder
FanGraph's ZiPS predicts Cleveland Guardians' Johnathan Rodriguez to have a shockingly productive 2026 season.
Video Transcript
The Guardians desperately need more offensive production from their outfield in 2026.
And one player might give it to them, but it's not one that everyone's expecting or has on.
Their radar.
FanGraphs' ZiPS projections are extremely high on Jonathan Rodriguez and his ability to help the Guardians next season.
The famous prediction model is predicting Rodriguez to finish 2026 with an OPS+ of 104 while slashing .253/.322/.416, which includes 19 doubles and 17 home runs.
Now, there is a catch to this.
The prediction model still believes that Rodriguez will have some struggles with the Swing-and-miss and strikeout rate, but when you look at all these numbers, If Rodriguez actually can finish 2026 with something even remotely close to this, The Guardians would be ecstatic that he was able to provide that in...
Even if it's a specialized role as a platoon bat against left-handed pitching.
Now, this is definitely one of those cases where you're going to need to see it to believe-it-type scenario.
Yes, when we see prediction models say that Maybe Jos Ramrez will finish with 35 or 40 home runs.
That's understandable, or Kyle Manzardo will take a jump and he'll finish with 30 home runs Or whatever it may be, that's understandable too.
It's kind of hard to see where the model is getting all these numbers from.
Considering that Rodriguez, so far throughout his MLB career, He has a weighted runs created plus of 82 and a strikeout rate of 30.8%.
And so overall, it's understandable to be a little bit apprehensive about saying that.
Rodriguez can definitely come into the lineup next season and provide these types of numbers.
What I will say, though, is that the Guardians, like I said, They're going to be looking basically everywhere for more help in the outfield.
They also only have a number of pure right-handed bats in the lineup or in the... On the 40-man roster, so they're going to need help against left-handed pitching, too.
If Rodriguez can have a strong spring training, he may be able to...
He may be able to make the Opening Day roster just because he's a right-handed bat and has Some history... Good history against southpaws.
Now, does that mean he'll have this 20-home run season that FanGraphs is predicting?
We'll have to wait and see.
But it certainly is interesting to see that They believe that he's going to have a big year with the Guardians next season if he's given The opportunities.
