Outfielder Raudi Rodriguez had little fanfare on Opening Day. He was a 19th-round prep pick in 2023 who signed for $100,000 and was sharing playing time to start the season with Low-A Inland Empire.
By the end of the season, he was the California League’s top run producer.
The 22-year-old’s breakout season finished with a league-leading 90 runs scored, 83 RBIs and 14 home runs, while his 38 stolen bases were fifth-best in the league.
Showcasing his above-average power and speed tools, Rodriguez became the 20th player since 2006 to finish a minor league season with double-digit doubles (21), triples (14) and home runs along with 30 or more stolen bases.
Coming off a humdrum 2024 season in the Arizona Complex League, Rodriguez showed more swing consistency in 2025. He more consistently hit the ball hard at optimal angles, which boosted his performance and altered his long-term projection.
His value continued to increase while moving from right field to center field over the course of the year, where he was quick to adjust.
“He adapted to (center field) quickly,” Inland Empire manager Dave Stapleton said. “He was able to run good and direct routes . . . His route efficiency and first step quickness were great.”
“Raudi has the upside to be an everyday outfielder who impacts the game on both sides of the ball,” Angels assistant GM Joey Prebynski said. “He has the speed and athleticism, and his reads and routes continued to get better.
“Then too, offensively, he has always been a player who has plus exit velocities.”
Saving his best for the final stretch, Rodriguez slashed .404/.493/.614 over his final 30 regular season games. He went 5-for-15 with three home runs in the Cal League playoffs to help lead the 66ers to a runner-up finish.
“He has been on the same trajectory all through the season,” Stapleton said. “He went through a week or so where maybe he’s off, but that’s more (full-season fatigue) but he was able to gear back up. For me, he’s put together what you would say is an incredible year from beginning to end.”
With his first full pro season finished, Rodriguez will continue playing as an Angels representative in the Arizona Fall League.