The Pittsburgh Pirates have designated outfielder Johnathan Rodríguez for assignment, opening up a 40-man roster spot for the highly-rated Oneil Cruz. This move comes as no surprise, given Rodríguez's lack of success at the major league level and his recent acquisition from the Orioles. Rodríguez, 26, has never played in a big league game for the Pirates, but his minor league numbers are impressive. In 15 Triple-A games, he's posted a .351/.424/.509 line, with 62 home runs and a 12.5% walk rate. However, his major league performance has been underwhelming, with a .177/.288/.301 batting line and a 31.8% strikeout rate in 132 plate appearances. This discrepancy between his minor league and major league numbers is intriguing, especially given his Pedro Cerrano-like profile, which suggests he has the power but struggles with spin. Rodríguez's situation is further complicated by his final option year. With no options left, he will be out of options next year, which may have contributed to his frequent team changes. After being designated for assignment by the Cleveland Guardians in March, he was traded to the Orioles but was DFA'd again last month. Now, with the trade deadline passed, the Pirates will have to place him on waivers, making him available to other teams. This move could be an opportunity for another club to acquire a player with significant minor league success, even if he can't be kept in the majors for the rest of the season. The Pirates' decision to designate Rodríguez for assignment is a strategic move, allowing them to bring back Cruz and potentially strengthen their outfield depth. While Rodríguez's major league struggles are concerning, his minor league success and unique profile make him an interesting player to watch in the future.
