What NY Mets fans should know about the newest prospect from the Jeff McNeil trade

The trade of Jeff McNeil to the Athletics wasn't just about clearing payroll or parting ways with a veteran staple; it was a calculated bet on the future of the Mets' pitching pipeline. In exchange for the versatile infielder, New York acquired 17-year-old Cuban right-hander Yordan Rodriguez. While his name may not yet be familiar to the casual fan, his inclusion in the deal signifies the Mets' ongoing strategy of targeting high-upside arms with elite physical traits that can be refined within their developing "pitching lab."

Rodriguez represents the archetype of the modern international prospect: young, projectable, and possessing raw data that jumps off the page. Though he is years away from stepping onto the mound at Citi Field, the metrics behind his professional debut have already caught the attention of scouts across the league. As the Mets transition into a new era, understanding the ceiling of this young hurler provides the necessary context for why David Stearns felt comfortable moving a former batting champion for a teenager yet to pitch on American soil.

Yordan Rodriguez is a high-octane arm from the Caribbean

The foundation of Rodriguez’s profile is a power arsenal that is remarkably advanced for his age. Signed out for $400,000 in early 2025, he immediately made an impact in the Dominican Summer League. During his professional debut, he posted a stellar 2.93 ERA over 15.1 innings, striking out 20 batters in that short span. His four-seam fastball, which comes from a relatively low-effort delivery, sat in the low 90s but frequently touched 96 mph. What makes the pitch truly dangerous is his above-average extension, which allows the ball to get on hitters much faster than the radar gun suggests.

Beyond the heater, Rodriguez possesses a secondary offering that has analysts like Baseball America’s Ben Badler calling him one of the top 20 pitching prospects in the DSL. He spins a low-80s slider that averages nearly 2,700 rpm—a spin rate that already rivals elite Major League sliders. This combination of high velocity and heavy rotation creates a significant swing-and-miss ratio, providing him with two potential "plus" pitches before he even turns 18. While he hasn't utilized his changeup much as a professional, his amateur background suggests a third offering is already in development.

The most encouraging aspect of Rodriguez’s scouting report is his "pitchability" and starting traits. Unlike many young flamethrowers who struggle with the strike zone, Rodriguez showed a poised approach on the mound in 2025. His path to the big leagues will depend heavily on his ability to build sufficient stamina and refine his command as his body matures. If he can maintain his current delivery while adding strength, he has the ceiling of a mid-rotation starter who can miss bats at a high frequency.

However, if his secondary pitches don't develop into a full starter's repertoire, Rodriguez’s floor remains incredibly high as a high-leverage reliever. A pitcher who can touch 96 mph with elite spin rates is a natural fit for the back end of a bullpen. Whether he develops into a workhorse starter or a late-inning weapon, the Mets have acquired a "phenom" whose raw tools suggest he could eventually become the centerpiece of this trade. For now, Mets fans will have to be patient as he climbs the minor league ladder, but the data suggests he is a name worth watching.