Chicago Cubs: Checking in on the Cubs top 5 hitting prospects
By Ryan Sikes
The Chicago Cubs selected Roederer in the second round of the 2018 MLB Draft. He is already drawing comparisons to Red Sox outfielder, Andrew Benintendi.
The Chicago Cubs selected Cole Roederer in the second round of the 2018 Major League Baseball Draft out of William S. Hart High School in Santa Clara, California. After being drafted, Roederer played 36 games in the Arizona Fall League. In 161 plate appearances, he slashed 0.275/0.354/0.465 with five home runs and 24 runs-batted-in. Roederer also had 13 stolen bases to go along with 18 walks.
That was good enough for him to bypass Class-A short-season Eugene and land with the Class-A South Bend in 2019. Through just six games this season, Roederer is slashing 0.240/0.269/0.280. It’s an extremely small sample size, but he already has five runs-batted-in. While his strikeout rate is up a bit from the Arizona Fall League, 30.7 percent compared to 23.0 percent, I would attribute this to Roederer adjusting to better competition and he should get things back on track.
Cole Roederer has a good frame standing at 6-foot and weighing 175 pounds for his age, but he should be able to add 10-15 more pounds. Scouts are raving about his newfound power in 2018 with the potential to become a 0.300 hitter and 25 home-runs per season (via MLB.com).
"Roederer added noticeable strength in 2018 and could become a .300 hitter with 25-homer power if everything comes together for him. He has advanced bat-to-ball skills, a disciplined approach and a quick left-handed swing that produces impressive exit velocities. He’s presently a solid runner with the savvy to steal a few bases. Some scouts wonder if Roederer will lose a half-step as he continues to mature physically, which could prompt a move from center field. The Cubs like his defensive instincts and his chances to remain in center. His arm may fit better in left field than in right if he has to shift to a corner, though he’d still fit the offensive profile at either spot."
Roederer is currently projected to reach the big leagues in 2022. He figures to spend the entire year with South Bend given his age, but if all goes well, he could move up fairly quickly.