Scouting Report

Video scouting report »

Scouting grades: Hit: 60 | Power: 60 | Run: 50 | Arm: 50 | Field: 55 | Overall: 55

JoJo Parker was a late-blooming Mississippi high schooler who soared up Draft boards in 2025 as he showcased an advanced approach at the dish and a sweet swing that was geared for loft, especially as he matures. Rijo gives off similar offensive vibes to the eighth overall pick, a hitter who has refined his mechanics and begun to tap into more all-around impact as he gains more high-profile experience.

In his younger days, Rijo gave off a Jon Jay-esque profile as a high-contact, hit-over-power left-handed-hitting corner outfield bat. But in the pivotal development years since, he has enjoyed a growth spurt and packed on some good weight, which has allowed both his raw power and in-game ability to tap into it take a leap. Rijo has an advanced knowledge of what he wants to do in the box and allows the ball to travel, which helps him spray hits to all parts of the diamond. His track record of success in tournaments as an amateur, coupled with those big-time power gains, puts an up arrow next to his name as he enters pro ball.

The bat will be the carrying tool for Rijo, who is likely to be pushed off center field by more glove-focused options throughout a Minor League system. But he still has above-average instincts and a nose for the ball, which when coupled with his average range and arm, keeps him in the mix as a corner outfield option.

Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 50 | Run: 50 | Arm: 50 | Field: 50 | Overall: 45

Rijo is an international prospect who quickly drew attention for his advanced offensive profile, who ranked No. 12 in the 2026 international class. He signed with the Mariners for $2.2 million at the start of the 2026 signing period, highlighting Seattle’s confidence in his upside. Listed at 6-foot-1, Rijo has added solid weight and tapped more into his raw power, giving evaluators a vibe similar to JoJo Parker (MLB No. 43), the No. 8 overall pick by Toronto in the ‘25 Draft.

A left-handed hitter, Rijo has an advanced understanding of the strike zone and lets the ball travel, helping him spray hits to all fields. He has excelled at every stop in his amateur career, including strong showings in high-profile tournaments in the Dominican Republic, and his polished swing is built for loft and consistent contact. These traits, combined with his growing power, make the bat the clear carrying tool for his development.

Defensively, Rijo is likely to settle into a corner outfield spot, though he still brings above-average instincts, decent range and a solid arm that keep him versatile. Seattle sees him as a player whose offensive ceiling outweighs defensive limitations, a prospect capable of impacting games consistently once he acclimates to professional pitching. With a combination of feel for the game, emerging power and a strong amateur track record, Rijo is one of the most intriguing signees in the Mariners’ 2026 international class.

Transactions

Team	Date	Transaction
	02/24/2026	OF Juan Rijo assigned to DSL Mariners.
	02/24/2026	DSL Mariners activated OF Juan Rijo.
	01/15/2026	Seattle Mariners signed free agent OF Juan Rijo to a minor league contract.