When the Phillies signed Dominican Republic native Rojas as an international free agent in January 2018, they found a steal.

For about $10,000, the Phillies were able to sign Rojas. He has already outperformed everyone and has a ton more potential productivity left in him.

Rojas’ accomplishment was demonstrated at the conclusion of his minor league season in 2023. The Phillies selected Rojas as their Paul Owens Award recipient for outstanding position player in the minor leagues.

It is tough for this scout to say if Rojas is a stronger defender or hitter. He is excellent with the ball on both sides.

Looking for Johan Rojas

Rojas was permitted to bypass Triple-A because of his remarkable progress since he was chosen out of the Dominican Republic.

On July 15, 2023, Rojas made his major league debut straight out of Double-A Reading. He was only twenty-two years old.

Rojas is no longer considered a rookie after making 164 plate appearances and playing in 59 big league games in the previous season.

When Rojas was a surprise player in the 2022 Arizona Fall League, this reporter had the opportunity to scout him.

Rojas displayed every tool he owned. In 52 plate appearances, he hit.310/.423/.452/.876 with 7 RBIs and no home runs. Managing to get away with stealing 13 bases. He struck the ball forcefully.

This scout was particularly impressed by his exceptional pitch identification, patience at the plate, and advanced plate discipline. He only managed to strike out eight times that fall. He agreed to eight strolls.

Following his viewing of Rojas, the scout penned the following remarks: Amazingly quick. outstanding control over the plate. able to propel the ball through the gaps. There will be power. Simple, effortless swing. Advanced baseball knowledge and intuition. superb defender. will assume command in the middle. sturdy arm. Great routes. capable of being a star on the ball’s two sides.

Since that evaluation, not much has truly changed. He has star potential.

It’s not a free-swinging batter, Rojas. His hands are good through the ball, and he takes a methodical approach. Even if his bat speed isn’t the greatest, he manages to make contact and locate the barrel.

Excellent contact skills allow Rojas to get on base, maybe steal, and score if he doesn’t work a walk.

Rival pitchers will have trouble dealing with Rojas. Because he uses his good pitch identification to take a pitcher deep into counts, he will be challenging to immediately dispatch.

Power might be Rojas’s final development tool. But that strength will come to the surface. His exit velocity is good for the time being, but he can improve by getting more loft on the ball.

Despite his small stature, Rojas can strengthen every muscle in his body by participating in the Phillies weight-training program. He makes the most of every inch of his physique.

Rojas will be able to continue playing center field as the starting pitcher, even if the Phillies need to be patient with his offensive. He really is that fantastic.

Rojas follows the ball effectively, sees it off the bat, and pursues it with that extra bit of pace. He can play defense, has good arm strength, and runs routes well.

Scouting Level:

A player has the opportunity to impact a baseball game in a variety of ways when he can mix power and speed in the way that Rojas projects.

Rojas may turn out to be unique for this scout.

Rojas could need an extra year or two, but by the time he turns 25, he should be able to meet the requirements of this scout project. It might occur sooner.

Rojas exerts pressure on the opposition on both offense and defense thanks to his Grade 70 speed and Grade 70 defense.

He has to obtain more batting practice and big league pitching experience. However, that will happen.

Do the Phillies intend to rush Rojas? Not really, though. He really is that fantastic. A major league baseball player who excels above average.