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Grayson Rodriguez
Grayson Rodriguez
Grayson Rodriguez
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Grayson Greer Rodriguez (born November 16, 1999) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Baltimore Orioles. The Orioles selected Rodriguez in the first round of the 2018 Major League Baseball draft. He made his MLB debut in 2023.

Key Information

Amateur career

[edit]

Rodriguez attended Central Heights High School in Nacogdoches, Texas.[1] As a junior, he had a 14–1 win–loss record with a 0.38 earned run average (ERA), leading Central Heights to the 3A state title.[2] He signed to play college baseball at Texas A&M University.[3]

Professional career

[edit]

Baltimore Orioles

[edit]

The Baltimore Orioles selected Rodriguez in the first round, with the 11th overall selection, of the 2018 Major League Baseball draft.[4] On June 12, 2018, Rodriguez signed with the Orioles for $4.3 million.[5] He made his professional debut with the rookie-level Gulf Coast League Orioles and spent the whole season there, going 0–2 with a 1.40 ERA in nine games (eight starts).[6][7]

Rodriguez spent 2019 with the Delmarva Shorebirds, earning South Atlantic League All-Star honors.[8][9] That July, Rodriguez represented the Orioles at the 2019 All-Star Futures Game.[10] Over twenty starts with Delmarva, he went 10–4 with a 2.68 ERA, striking out 129 batters over 94 innings.[11] Rodriguez did not play in a game in 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor league season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.[12]

To begin the 2021 season, Rodriguez was assigned to the Aberdeen IronBirds.[13] He was promoted to the Bowie Baysox during the season.[14] Over 23 starts between the two teams, he went 9–1 with a 2.36 ERA and 161 strikeouts over 103 innings.[15]

Rodriguez was assigned to the Triple-A Norfolk Tides to begin the 2022 season. On June 2, 2022, it was announced that Rodriguez would miss time with a right lat muscle strain.[16] He had compiled a 2.09 ERA in 11 starts with Norfolk at the time of his injury. On November 15, the Orioles added Rodriguez to their 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 draft. [17]

On March 27, 2023, the Orioles announced that Rodriguez would not be part of the Opening Day rotation and would begin the year in Norfolk.[18] On April 4, it was announced that Rodriguez would be starting on April 5 against the Texas Rangers.[19][20] In his debut, he pitched five innings, allowing 2 earned runs on 4 hits, while striking out five, resulting in a no decision.[21][22] He went eight innings without a walk in an 8–0 home win over the Tampa Bay Rays on September 16.[23] In 23 starts for the Orioles during his rookie campaign, Rodriguez posted a 7-4 record and 4.35 ERA with 129 strikeouts over 122 innings of work.[24]

Rodriguez made 20 starts for Baltimore during the 2024 campaign, posting a 13-4 record and 3.86 ERA with 130 strikeouts across 116+2⁄3 innings pitched.[25] On August 6, 2024, Rodriguez was scratched from a scheduled start against the Toronto Blue Jays with right lat/teres discomfort; he was placed on the 15-day injured list the following day.[26] On September 25, it was announced that Rodriguez would be shut down for the remainder of the season.[27]

Rodriguez began the 2025 season on the injured list with elbow inflammation, and received a cortisone shot to deal with the issue.[28] On April 17, 2025, he had a side session cancelled due to shoulder soreness, and was sent for an MRI.[29] On April 23, Rodriguez was diagnosed with a mild strain in his right lat,[30] and he was transferred to the 60-day injured list on April 28.[31] On August 4, it was announced that Rodriguez would undergo a season-ending elbow debridement surgery.[32]

Los Angeles Angels

[edit]

On November 18, 2025, the Orioles traded Rodriguez to the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for Taylor Ward.[33]

Personal life

[edit]

Rodriguez married Madison Freeland in 2023.[34]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Grayson Rodriguez

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Grayson Rodriguez is an American for the Baltimore Orioles of (MLB). Born Grayson Greer Rodriguez on November 16, 1999, in , , he attended Central Heights High School in , where he excelled as a . The Baltimore Orioles selected Rodriguez in the first round (11th overall) of the 2018 MLB Draft, signing him to a $4.3 million bonus as one of the top high school pitching prospects. In his career spanning 2018 to 2022, Rodriguez compiled a 25–9 record with a 2.49 (ERA) and 421 strikeouts over 296 across multiple levels, establishing himself as the Orioles' top prospect and ranking among MLB's elite pitching talents. He made his MLB debut on April 5, 2023, striking out five batters in five innings against the Texas Rangers. Over his first two MLB seasons (2023–2024), Rodriguez appeared in 43 games (all starts), posting a 20–8 record, 4.11 , 1.29 walks plus hits per pitched (), and 259 strikeouts in 238⅔ innings. In , he achieved career highs with a 13–4 record and 3.86 in 20 starts, becoming the first pitcher since 2016 to win at least 13 of his first 20 career starts. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 m) and weighing 230 pounds (104 kg), Rodriguez bats left-handed and throws right-handed, relying on a mid-90s , , and . Rodriguez missed the entire 2025 season due to right elbow inflammation and a subsequent lat strain, undergoing on August 4, 2025, to remove a bone spur and address impingement; he is expected to return for 2026 .

Early life and amateur career

Early life and family

Grayson Greer Rodriguez was born on November 16, 1999, in , , due to his mother's requiring specialized medical care there. His family relocated to Nacogdoches, a small city in with a population of around 32,000, shortly after his birth, where he spent his formative years. Although Rodriguez's birthplace has led to frequent misconceptions portraying him as a Houston native, his mother, Temple, has expressed frustration over this inaccuracy, emphasizing his deep roots in Nacogdoches. Rodriguez grew up in a close-knit family that prioritized athletics and outdoor activities on their 13-acre property outside Nacogdoches, an area where his family had lived for generations. His father, Gilbert Rodriguez, a former college at a small school, instilled a love for early on by building a practice field in their backyard when Grayson was six years old. His mother, Temple, a high school coach, further reinforced the family's athletic focus. The couple also has a younger son, Garner Rodriguez, a tall athlete who plays both and in high school. From a young age, Rodriguez's exposure to sports came primarily through his family's encouragement, starting with casual tosses with his father around age three, which sparked his initial passion for as a hitter before transitioning to pitching. Beyond baseball, he developed an interest in during childhood, often joining his uncle, a wildlife biologist, to learn about deer population management in . This blend of family-driven athletic pursuits and outdoor hobbies shaped his early development in the rural Nacogdoches environment.

High school career

Grayson Rodriguez attended Central Heights High School in Nacogdoches, Texas, from 2014 to 2018, where he emerged as one of the state's premier baseball talents as a right-handed pitcher and shortstop. During his junior season in 2017, Rodriguez dominated on the mound, compiling a 14–1 record with a 0.38 ERA and 178 strikeouts while leading Central Heights to the Texas 3A state championship. His performance earned him the Texas Sports Writers Association (TSWA) 3A Player of the Year award, along with 22-3A MVP honors and selection to the THSBCA All-State First Team as a pitcher. In his senior year of 2018, Rodriguez continued his excellence, posting an 11–0 record with a 0.19 ERA and 156 strikeouts over 76 innings, while also contributing offensively with a .479 batting average, nine home runs, and 49 RBIs. He repeated as the 3A Texas Player of the Year and earned All-State First Team recognition for the third consecutive season, in addition to being named East Texas Player of the Year and a Rawlings-Perfect Game First Team Senior Preseason All-American. Rodriguez had committed to Texas A&M University on a full scholarship but was selected 11th overall in the 2018 MLB Draft, forgoing college to sign professionally. Scouts praised Rodriguez as the top high school pitching prospect in , highlighting his 6-foot-5 frame, fastball velocity reaching 97 mph, and advanced command of his , , , and , which projected him as a potential first-round pick.

Professional career

Draft and minor leagues

Rodriguez was selected by the Baltimore Orioles with the 11th overall pick in the first round of the out of Central Heights High School in . He signed with the team on June 12, 2018, for a $4.3 million , forgoing a commitment to play at Texas A&M. Rodriguez began his professional career in 2018 with the rookie-level Gulf Coast League Orioles, where he made eight starts and one relief appearance over 19.1 innings, posting a 1.40 with 20 strikeouts and limiting opponents to three earned runs. In 2019, he advanced to the Single-A of the , where he excelled as a starter, going 10-4 with a 2.68 across 20 starts and 94 innings, while recording 129 strikeouts and earning a selection to the . The 2020 minor league season was canceled due to the , limiting Rodriguez to instructional league play and time at ' alternate training site. He returned in 2021 but faced setbacks from a right lat strain that sidelined him for much of the summer; despite this, he made 23 starts split between High-A and Double-A Bowie Baysox, compiling a 9-1 record with a 2.36 over 103 innings and 161 strikeouts. In 2022, Rodriguez progressed rapidly through the system, beginning the season with Double-A Bowie before promotions to Triple-A , where he made key starts including a dominant May in which he went 4-0 with a 2.22 and 39 strikeouts over 28.1 , earning Pitcher of the Month honors. Overall that year, across three levels in 17 starts, he recorded a 6-2 mark with a 2.62 , 109 strikeouts in 75.2 , and a 0.99 , though a midseason lat strain briefly interrupted his momentum. Through his minor league career up to the end of 2022, Rodriguez amassed a 25-9 record with a 2.45 , 419 strikeouts in 292 over 69 appearances (68 starts). During his tenure, Rodriguez's velocity surged from the low 90s at draft time to regularly sitting in the mid-90s and touching 99 mph by , complemented by the addition of a low-80s to his repertoire alongside his and . He was consistently ranked as ' top prospect by MLB from 2021 through 2023, peaking at No. 4 overall in MLB's Top 100 Prospects list entering 2023.

Major league debut and 2023 season

Grayson Rodriguez made his major league debut on April 5, 2023, starting for the Baltimore Orioles against the Texas Rangers at in . In the game, the 23-year-old right-hander pitched five innings, allowing four hits, two earned runs, one walk, and striking out five batters while throwing 83 pitches. A large contingent of family and friends from his hometown of , attended the contest, providing vocal support in his home state. Rodriguez's debut came after a strong spring, where his triple-digit velocity and refined pitch mix had positioned him as the Orioles' top prospect. In his rookie season, Rodriguez appeared in 23 starts for , compiling a 7-4 record with a 4.35 over 122 innings, including 129 s and 42 walks. He earned his first major league win on April 29 against the Detroit Tigers at , delivering five shutout innings with nine s and just two hits allowed. Early in the season, Rodriguez struggled with command, posting a 7.35 and walking 18 batters over 44 1/3 innings across his first ten starts, leading to a demotion to Triple-A on May 27, 2023. Upon his recall on July 17, he showed marked improvement, going 5-2 with a 2.55 in 13 starts, reducing his walk rate and increasing his efficiency. Rodriguez's second half performance drew comparisons to elite young power pitchers like Detroit's , highlighting his potential as a frontline starter with a mid-90s , sharp , and developing . Key milestones included a career-high eight shutout innings on September 16 against the , contributing to an 8-0 victory, and earning consideration for the team as a top prospect, though he was not ultimately selected. In the postseason, Rodriguez made one appearance in the ALDS against the Rangers, pitching 1⅔ innings in Game 3 on October 10 and allowing four earned runs with in a 4-1 loss.

2024 season

Rodriguez entered his sophomore season as the Baltimore Orioles' No. 2 starter behind , making his first appearance on March 30 against the , where he pitched six innings of one-run ball with nine strikeouts. Over 20 starts, he posted a 13–4 record with a 3.86 , allowing 109 hits and 52 earned runs while recording 130 strikeouts in 116.2 . His performance marked a step forward in consistency from his 2023 rookie year, where command issues had limited his effectiveness, as he reduced walks per nine innings from 3.1 to 2.8. A key highlight came on May 28 against the Boston Red Sox, when Rodriguez recorded his first career 10-strikeout game, fanning 10 over six innings in a no-decision. Rodriguez's strong outings helped fuel the Orioles' contention in the , where the team finished second with a 91–71 record and earned a Wild Card berth before their playoff exit. Mid-season, he ranked in the top 10 among AL starting pitchers in wins (tied for fourth with nine) and (seventh at 3.20 through July). Rodriguez showed notable evolution in his pitching arsenal, particularly with a refined that featured improved velocity separation from his —averaging 13 mph slower at around 83 mph—leading to a .188 opponent against the pitch. His maintained elite velocity at an average of 96.5 mph, contributing to a 26.5% rate overall. The season ended prematurely due to injury, as Rodriguez was placed on the 15-day injured list on August 7 (retroactive to August 4) with a right lat strain after reporting discomfort during warmups for a start against the Toronto Blue Jays. He was shut down from throwing in late September, missing the final month of the regular season and the entire postseason.

2025 season

Rodriguez began the 2025 season on the 15-day retroactive to March 24 due to right elbow that arose during . He received a injection on March 9 to address the and was shut down from throwing for 7-10 days before resuming a gradual rehab program. On April 17, Rodriguez experienced elbow discomfort that led to the cancellation of a scheduled rehab session, and subsequent evaluation revealed a right lat strain. transferred him to the 60-day on April 28 to accommodate the extended recovery timeline. This setback may have been influenced by a lingering lat/teres strain from the 2024 season that sidelined him for the final three months. Rodriguez progressed through rehab in May and June, including mound work by mid-June, but further arm issues emerged, halting his program in July. On July 18, shut down his rehab indefinitely after recurring right discomfort during a session. Imaging revealed a bone spur in his , leading to season-ending surgery on August 11 to remove the spur and prevent future impingement. Rodriguez made no appearances during the 2025 season, marking a complete lost year to arm injuries. He was activated from the 60-day on November 6 to begin offseason preparation, with anticipating his return for 2026 . General manager expressed optimism about a full recovery, though Rodriguez's long-term durability remains a focus. The absence forced significant adjustments to ' rotation, with increased reliance on pitchers like Rogers to fill the gap left by the lack of a consistent second ace. In interviews, Rodriguez demonstrated mental resilience, expressing confidence in his eventual return despite the frustrations, stating in June that he was "absolutely" committed to pitching in the second half before the final setback.

Personal life

Marriage and family

Grayson Rodriguez began a relationship with his high school sweetheart, Madison Freeland, around , marking nearly eight years together by the time of his major league debut. The couple married in December 2023. Madison has integrated closely into Rodriguez's family life, providing support at significant personal milestones, including attendance at his 2023 MLB debut alongside family members. As of November 2025, Rodriguez and his wife have no children.

Residence and off-field interests

Rodriguez resides in a custom-built home on a 22-acre lot on the outskirts of Nacogdoches, Texas, adjacent to his parents' property. Off the field, Rodriguez pursues hunting and outdoor activities on his family land, including hunts in Texas and other states. He also engages in local community events in Nacogdoches, cherishing his role as a hometown figure for area youth. On , particularly , Rodriguez shares content emphasizing and , such as reflections during personal challenges including recovery periods. In , Rodriguez supports youth camps, such as hosting a session in in July 2024 to mentor young players; as of 2025, he has not established any major foundations.

References

  1. https://www.mlb.com/player/grayson-rodriguez-680570
  2. https://www.espn.com/mlb/player/bio/_/id/41196/grayson-rodriguez
  3. https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/rodrigr01.shtml
  4. https://www.mlb.com/news/baltimore-orioles-sign-1st-round-draft-pick-c280511724
  5. https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/36082758/o-prized-prospect-grayson-rodriguez-k-5-mlb-debut
  6. https://www.mlb.com/news/grayson-rodriguez-works-six-innings-in-orioles-win
  7. https://www.espn.com/mlb/player/_/id/41196/grayson-rodriguez
  8. https://www.si.com/mlb/orioles/onsi/news/what-do-the-orioles-have-planned-for-grayson-rodriguez-john9
  9. https://www.baltimorebaseball.com/sports/orioles-mlb/2025/08/11/orioles-grayson-rodriguez-bone-spur-removed-right-elbow-richdubroff/
  10. https://www.thebanner.com/sports/orioles-mlb/orioles-grayson-rodriguez-elbow-surgery-WAFGLTPFDVDHLKAHYPPZHNB3RM/
  11. https://www.baltimoresun.com/2023/04/06/orioles-pitcher-grayson-rodriguez-has-small-town-roots-his-friends-and-family-prove-that/
  12. https://www.baltimoremagazine.com/section/sports/grayson-rodriquez-orioles-top-mlb-pitcher-profile/
  13. https://pressboxonline.com/2024/04/17/growing-grayson-inside-the-development-of-orioles-rhp-grayson-rodriguez/
  14. https://www.dailysentinel.com/sports/article_27b98cf5-f54e-560d-abe2-26d0d8f4834b.html
  15. https://www.perfectgame.org/players/playerprofile.aspx?ID=407249
  16. https://txhighschoolbaseball.com/featured_news/thsb-all-decade-team-grayson-rodriguez-rhpss-central-heights-2018/
  17. https://www.mlb.com/news/orioles-sign-grayson-rodriguez-c280900828
  18. https://tylerpaper.com/2018/07/22/all-east-texas-baseball-team-central-heights-grayson-rodriguez-chosen-as-top-player-kilgores-chase-hampton-eugene-lafitte-named-newcomer-and-coach-of-the-year/
  19. https://www.mlb.com/press-release/orioles-agree-to-terms-with-1st-round-draft-selection-rhp-grayson-rodr-280900900
  20. https://www.ktre.com/story/38346238/central-heights-grayson-rodriguez-selected-by-baltimore-in-mlb-draft/
  21. https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/grayson-rodriguez-is-the-top-mlb-draft-prospect-in-texas/
  22. https://www.minorleagueball.com/2018/6/3/17418886/2018-mlb-draft-grayson-rodriguez-rhp-nacogdoches-texas
  23. https://247sports.com/college/texas-am/article/texas-am-aggies-baseball-recruiting-am-signee-grayson-rodriguez-selected-11th-overall-in-the-mlb-draft-118790660/
  24. https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=rodrig000gra
  25. https://www.delmarvanow.com/story/sports/2019/09/19/shorebirds-pitcher-grayson-rodriguez-named-co-pitcher-year/2377610001/
  26. https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Grayson_Rodriguez
  27. https://www.milb.com/norfolk/news/rodriguez-named-international-league-pitcher-of-the-month-x3828
  28. https://www.baseballamerica.com/players/7053-grayson-rodriguez/
  29. https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-top-100-prospects-list-for-2021
  30. https://www.mlb.com/milb/prospects/2022/top100/cj-abrams-682928
  31. https://www.mlb.com/news/top-100-prospects-list-mlb-pipeline-preseason-2023
  32. https://www.mlb.com/news/grayson-rodriguez-makes-mlb-debut-vs-rangers
  33. https://www.baltimoresun.com/2023/04/05/grayson-rodriguez-impresses-in-mlb-debut-but-orioles-lose-series-finale-5-2-to-jacob-degrom-rangers/
  34. https://www.mlb.com/news/grayson-rodriguez-first-mlb-win-career-best-9-strikeouts
  35. https://www.rotowire.com/baseball/player/grayson-rodriguez-15420
  36. https://www.mlb.com/news/grayson-rodriguez-struggles-orioles-down-2-0-in-alds
  37. https://www.mlb.com/news/grayson-rodriguez-ties-career-high-nine-strikeouts
  38. https://www.mlb.com/video/grayson-rodriguez-sets-a-career-high-with-10-k-s
  39. https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/majors/2024-standard-pitching.shtml
  40. https://www.mlb.com/news/grayson-rodriguez-orioles-budding-ace
  41. https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/savant-player/grayson-rodriguez-680570?stats=statcast-r-pitching-mlb
  42. https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/08/grayson-rodriguez-scratched-from-scheduled-start.html
  43. https://www.mlb.com/news/grayson-rodriguez-shut-down-for-2024-postseason
  44. https://www.mlb.com/news/grayson-rodriguez-pauses-rehab-with-elbow-discomfort
  45. https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/45902017/orioles-rhp-rodriguez-elbow-surgery
  46. https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/orioles-grayson-rodriguez-moved-to-60-day-il/
  47. https://www.mlb.com/news/grayson-rodriguez-eyes-return-to-orioles-in-2025
  48. https://sports.yahoo.com/article/orioles-grayson-rodriguez-officially-undergoes-004821054.html
  49. https://www.mlb.com/news/orioles-injuries-and-roster-moves
  50. https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/08/grayson-rodriguez-to-undergo-season-ending-elbow-debridement-surgery.html
  51. https://lastwordonsports.com/baseball/2025/08/06/grayson-rodriguez-injury-complicates-orioles-comeback-plan/
  52. https://www.mlb.com/news/grayson-rodriguez-s-family-friends-former-teammates-attend-mlb-debut
  53. https://www.baltimoresun.com/2025/03/19/orioles-grayson-rodriguez-hunting-baseball-season/
  54. https://www.kltv.com/2024/06/12/central-heights-rodriguez-time-mlb-its-dream-come-true/
  55. https://www.facebook.com/groups/2568654496620252/posts/3100927716726258/
  56. https://www.instagram.com/p/C8cZ4_muxag/
  57. https://www.facebook.com/FlexWorkSportsManagement/posts/excited-to-announce-baltimores-star-pitcher-grayson-rodriguez-will-be-hosting-hi/1058159525810386/
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