Pirates All 40: What Does Future Hold for Endy Rodríguez?

Danny Demilio |

Dec 19, 2025

Endy Rodríguez, Pittsburgh Pirates — Pittsburgh Pirates' Endy Rodriguez plays during a baseball game, Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

This is one in a series breaking down players on the Pittsburgh Pirates’ 40-man roster.

Endy Rodríguez cannot catch a break.

Rodríguez underwent Tommy John surgery in the 2023-24 offseason and didn’t play a game for the Pirates that ensuing season. He returned to the field this past year only to miss most of it with more injuries.

Early in the year, Rodríguez suffered a right hand laceration that required stiches and took longer than expected to heal. After finally returning in June, the 25-year-old played in only three games before another elbow injury resulted in a second surgery and sidelined him for the rest of the season.

Shortly after the Pirates acquired Rodríguez from the New York Mets in a three-team trade, it looked like he would be a key piece of the team’s future.

Entering the 2023 season, Rodríguez was considered the 23rd-best prospect in the league by Baseball America and was ranked No. 55 by MLB Pipeline. He represented the Pirates in the Futures Game that season.

Rodríguez’s minor-league track record is strong. In 374 games across seven seasons and six levels, he owns a robust .292/.381/.503 batting line with 102 doubles, 16 triples, 53 home runs and 252 RBI.

But his minor-league success has yet to translate to the big leagues. Rodríguez played in 57 games during his rookie season in 2023 and hit .220 with a .612 OPS, seven doubles, two triples, three home runs and 13 RBI. In 18 games in 2025, he hit just .173 with a .496 OPS.

In addition to the promise he showed at the plate as a prospect, one of Rodríguez’s most appealing attributes is the athleticism he possesses as a catcher. But considering he’s now undergone two elbow surgeries to his throwing arm, there have to be serious concerns if he can continue his career as a catcher.

While he’s spent most of his career behind the plate, Rodríguez has also played games at first base, second base and all three outfield spots.

But regardless of if he continues as a catcher or elsewhere, the biggest thing for Rodríguez is staying healthy and providing a boost to the offense by finally unlocking his potential.