The Chicago Cubs recently lost a piece of their highly-regarded farm system, albeit a relatively small part at the moment.
The San Diego Padres, in an effort bolster their own farm system, signed free agent outfielder Cole Roederer to a minor league contract.
Roederer, a center fielder with the versatility to play all three outfield positions, spent six seasons in the Chicago Cubs’ minor league system, eventually reaching Triple-A. Drafted 77th overall in the second round of the 2018 MLB Draft, he was initially committed to UCLA before opting to sign with the Cubs.
Former Top Chicago Cubs Prospect Moves On
In 2020, Roederer was ranked as the Cubs’ No. 5 overall prospect and third among outfielders, with projections for a Major League debut in 2023. He received his first promotion to Triple-A in September 2023, where he posted a .290 batting average, .378 on-base percentage, and .387 slugging percentage over 10 games.
The 2024 season turned out to be a tough one for Roederer. He began with the Double-A Tennessee Smokies, playing 83 games across all three outfield positions (but primarily in left field) and as a designated hitter. By late May, he was bumped up to Triple-A, where he played mostly center field. However, he registered career-low offensive numbers, batting .186 with a .306 on-base percentage and a .311 slugging percentage.
Roederer’s signing marks the Padres’ 13th minor league contract this offseason, reflecting the organization’s stated strategy to enhance depth and add more of a competitive element within their farm system.
Cole Roederer: The Scouting Report
Per his MLB.com 2020 scouting report:
Roederer has the raw tools to hit .280-.300 with 20-25 homers per season if he can adapt his approach. He has a quick, smooth left-handed swing that produces impressive exit velocities and he isn’t afraid to work deep counts. He got too concerned with pulling and lifting pitches in 2019, however, and needs to do a better job of using the whole field and letting his power come naturally.
Roederer currently possesses solid speed and will steal and take extra bases when given the opportunity. The Cubs believe his defensive instincts give him a good chance to stick in center field, though he may have to move to a corner if he loses any quickness as he gets stronger. His fringy arm would fit better in left field than in right.
The loss of Roederer isn’t a major one for the Cubs by any stretch of the imagination. At best, he had worked himself into a fringe prospect slot at Triple-A. It does, however, showcase the value of Chicago’s farm system and the regard with which other team’s value the Cubs’ minor league choices.
Cubs Get Acclaim For Stellar Farm System
Jon Hoefling of USA Today recently ranked the Cubs’ system No. 3 in all of baseball, with assets such as Matt Shaw, Owen Caissie, Cade Horton, Moises Ballesteros, Kevin Alcantara, and James Triantos.
Per Hoefling:
“What’s most exciting though is the fact that each of their top-five prospects as well as others like Kevin Alcantara each have experience in Triple-A, meaning the Cubs have a large wave of young talent headed to Wrigley very soon.”
Exciting times are possibly in store for the Cubs and their fans via the organization’s coming wave of major league-ready talent. Those exciting times won’t involve new Padre Cole Roederer.
Follow me on Twitter at @boxing_tribune, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Paul Magno via email at paulmagno@theboxingtribune.com.
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