Ryan Noda

Position: LF
Level: High A
Affiliate: Dunedin Blue Jays
League: Florida State League
Born: 03/30/1996 (Age: 27)
Height: 6'3''
Weight: 217
B/T: Left / Left
Acquired: 15th Rd., 2017 MLB First Year Player Draft (TOR)

Prospect Spotlight

Taken in the 15th round out of Cincinnati, Noda exceeded expectations last summer en route to the Appy League MVP. He slashed a ridiculous .364/.507/.575 with as many walks as strikeouts. At 6’3” and 217 pounds, he has a physical corner-outfield frame with muscularity throughout. A left-handed hitter, he generates average bat speed, though his strength and uphill path combine to produce above-average raw power. In my backfields looks this spring, Noda drove the ball with authority to both fields in BP. There’s length to his swing, and that causes issue staying inside quality velocity in on his hands.

There are questions about his long-term hit tool, though his track record of drawing walks and hitting with an approach could buoy lower batting averages to some degree. He’s a below-average runner that might be stretched in left field, and Noda is likely to get reps at first base by the time he reaches the upper minors. The ceiling is a bench bat or platoon regular at best, but there’s lots of risk in an older/bat-only profile, and he’ll need to prove he can hit at every level before reaching the big leagues.