Reds' Hector Rodriguez Has Completely Turned Things Around After Brutal Start

Cincinnati Reds top outfield prospect Hector Rodriguez's big-league career did not get off to the start that many had hoped it would, after overperforming in Triple-A most of the season. With a recent adjustment, he's quickly showing why he can be a major contributor to this team for years to come.

He's Adjusting, And It's Paying Off

Through his first 12 games, the Reds' third-ranked prospect was hitting just .118 with a .336 OPS. He made an adjustment during the team's recent road trip that has paid major dividends. Rodriguez started visualizing and thinking about his at-bats while warming up in the on-deck circle.

“When the pitcher is warming up, I’m visualizing his pitches and what I want to hit,” Rodríguez told Charlie Goldsmith via interpreter Tomás Vera. “It’s concentration and choosing the pitches I want to hit, and making sure I make good contact.”

That simple adjustment has led to him recording 10 hits, including four home runs over his last seven games. Reds star and potential Rookie of the Year Award winner Sal Stewart saw firsthand the type of talent Rodriguez possesses, saying, "I told you guys.” Stewart has been one of his biggest supporters, even through his initial struggles to start his Major League career.

“He’s coming,” Stewart said. “He’s going to keep getting better. I’m happy that he’s up there with us.”

Rodriguez was a key catalyst for the Reds’ comeback win in San Francisco and their series-clinching game against the Cubs on Sunday night. He hit his first home run against a left-handed pitcher at the big-league level. We saw a glimpse of the future Sunday night. Both Rodriguez and Stewart homered and were a major reason why the Reds got the win in their first Sunday Night Baseball matchup since 2015.

The Reds acquired Rodriguez, alongside pitching prospect Jose Acuna from the New York Mets in 2022 in a trade for outfielder Tyler Naquin.

Rodriguez Has Manager Terry Francona Excited

Francona has not been shy about using Rodriguez over his recent run of success. He's had playing time in center field, he's hit leadoff, he's hit against lefties. He's still going through growing pains adjusting to big-league pitching, but the results are starting to show.

“He’s dangerous right now,” Francona said. “He got a ball up and he whacked it. It’s interesting. He’s ultra-aggressive. That’s ok. We don’t need nine guys that are going to walk. I’m not sure you want nine guys who are ultra-aggressive. If he is who he is and swings at strikes and he does damage, the kid is pretty interesting.”

He's learning that talent alone won't lead to success at the big league level. Focusing on each at-bat and learning to visualize an at-bat has led to his recent hot streak. He has the talent. In Triple-A, he recorded a three-home-run game and hit for the cycle within a few weeks of each other. He has work to do defensively as well. He had an error on Sunday that cost the team a run. In the end, it didn't affect the outcome of the game, but focusing on those aspects of his game will lead to a far more consistent player on both sides and give the Reds a potential All-Star talent in the process.

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