In April of 2025, the Boston Red Sox made a surprising trade with the Milwaukee Brewers. Boston sent right-handed pitcher Quinn Priester to Milwaukee. Meanwhile, the Brewers shipped off prospects Yophery Rodriguez and John Holobetz, a Competitive Balance Round A pick (turned into right-handed pitcher Marcus Phillips), and cash considerations.
The trade was shocking at the time, as many believed the Red Sox received much more than expected for Priester. Through the 2025 season, the feelings changed a bit. Priester had a solid year. However, Holobetz looked fantastic in High-A and Double-A (and has looked even better this year). Phillips was also seen as a fantastic draft pick (and he just had his best outing of the year in High-A).
Rodriguez started his career in Boston’s organization hot, but ended up having an up-and-down season in High-A. That led to some people cooling off on him.
It’s important to remember that Rodriguez was a 19-year-old in High-A and had to deal with being traded just a few days into the season and now playing in a new system with new teammates and new philosophies than he was used to. Could the outfielder re-establish himself in 2026?
Red Sox outfield prospect Yophery Rodriguez is showcasing potential early in the year
So far, the answer is a resounding “yes.” Through April 24, the left-handed hitter is slashing .308/.368/.596 with six doubles and three home runs. Rodriguez has driven in seven runs and scored seven more.
He’s striking out 22.8% (13 Ks in 57 plate appearances) of the time, which is more than fine. However, the only big negative is his three walks (5.2% BB rate).
Rodriguez gave us glimpses of his potential in 2025. The swing looks pretty, his glove and arm were highlighted, and he flashed an ability to be disruptive on the bases. However, the bat was inconsistent. He would tear the cover off the ball for a few weeks, but follow that up with prolonged slumps.
With that in mind, a 14-game sample size isn’t enough to be 100% certain he’s turned a corner. However, there are signs.
Those three home runs are already more than halfway to his 2025 total of five. Rodriguez is tied for the team lead in that category with Mason White. Meanwhile, his six doubles are second on the team, only behind the seven that Yoeilin Cespedes has.
Rodriguez is a prospect who suffers from not having an elite tool. He’s good at everything (maybe not a major power threat), but nothing stands out as a true carrying tool. However, he’s showing legitimate improvement in multiple categories early in 2026. It’s good to see him making some hard contact and racking up extra-base hits. At only 20, there’s no reason to believe Rodriguez can’t change people’s minds on just how good those tools are.
Rodriguez was technically the only name going to the Red Sox at the time of the Priester trade (Holobetz was a Player To Be Named Later). Therefore, there was a pretty significant spotlight shining on him from the start of his time with the organization. We’re a year in now, and it’s time for people to start getting a little excited again.
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