Drafted by the Orioles in the 3rd round of the 2021 draft as a draft eligible sophomore, Rhodes brings some good tools and has a ceiling of everyday outfielder and come sin at #21.
John Rhodes
Pos: OF
Bats: R
Throws: R
Age (as of Jun 30th) : 20
2021 Level: FCL/A-
Tools (current/future value)
Hit: 35/50
Game Power: 35/50
Raw Power: 45/55
Run: 50/50
Defense: 40/50
| Season | Team | Level | Age | HR | BB% | K% | AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS | ISO | LD% | GB% | FB% | wOBA | wRC+ |
| 2021 | BAL | CPX | 20 | 0 | 0.0% | 0.0% | 1.000 | 1.000 | 1.000 | 2.000 | .000 | 100% | 0.0% | 0.0% | .881 | 411 |
| 2021 | BAL | CPX | 20 | 0 | 18.8% | 18.8% | .154 | .313 | .154 | .466 | .000 | 11.1% | 55.6% | 33.3% | .265 | 50 |
| 2021 | BAL | A | 20 | 2 | 8.6% | 15.2% | .266 | .343 | .372 | .715 | .106 | 32.9% | 35.5% | 31.6% | .339 | 100 |
Most Likely Future Role: 4th outfielder
Ceiling: 2nd Division starting corner outfielder
What we know: Drafted in the 3rd round and given an overslot $1,380,000 (late 2nd round) bonus to forgo going back to the University of Kentucky, Rhodes brings some untapped power and good arm to the diamond. Rhodes was the National co-Freshman of the year when he slashed .426/.485/.672/1.157 in 17 games during the COVID shortened 2020 season but slumped to .251/.397/.508/.905 during his redshirt Sophomore season this year.
The right-handed hitting outfielder has more of a line drive approach, and some believe he was trying to hit for power while putting too much pressure on himself contributing to his low batting average. With the Shorebirds, Rhodes did put up an impressive 32.9% line drive rate and only struck out at a 15.2% rate. He didn’t hit for a lot of power though putting up a disappointing .106 ISO, but the Orioles think there is more power in there as he matures into his body.
Defensively Rhodes was a catcher in high school but had to switch from behind the plate after suffering a pretty severe back injury. He was moved around his Freshman year but played mostly in the outfield his sophomore year. The Orioles played him mostly in right field though he did play some at first base and left field. Rhodes has a good arm nd enough quickness to play corner outfield.
He brings average speed to the field but is not a base stealer.
What we don’t know: Will his power develop? Can he hit upper level pitching?
What we think: Rhodes is a guy with some nice tools but his power development will determine his ceiling. While he can play 1B, he doesn’t really have a bat profile for this position. His current profile could be as a Steve Pearce type player.