Roden named Blue Jays prospect of the year

The number 12 overall Blue Jays prospect was named the team's standout minor-league performer by Major League Baseball.

Drafted out of Creighton University in the third round of the 2022 Draft, the outfielder has shot through the minor league system. Coincidentally, the Creighton baseball team is also called the Blue Jays.

Although Roden started the year in Double A New Hampshire last season, his numbers actually got better upon his promotion to Triple A Buffalo.

With the Bisons alone hit .314. with a .406. OBP to go along with nine home runs and 48 RBIs in 71 games.

Across both levels his totals were a .293. avg, .391. OBP with 16 HRs and 75 RBIs. Not bad for the 25 year old kid from Middleton, Wisconsin.

Although Roden can play first base, his future is in the outfield, and most of his games have been in either left or right. The Blue Jays still need a left fielder - and while are many options such as Joey Loperfido, Addison Barger, Nathan Lukes, and Jonatan Clase - Roden is a dark horse candidate to steal the job at spring training, especially if he continues hitting.

What is more likely though is he starts the year in Triple A. The consensus though, is that he will be a Toronto Blue Jay by the summer, perhaps even earlier.

While the lefty is still working on expanding the zone, his great plate discipline combined with knack for getting on base and underrated base running skills, give him a very high floor.

It's been a while since the Blue Jays have developed a homegrown outfielder. Alan Roden just might be that guy.