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Physical Description: Tall,
athletic frame with substantial remaining projection. Has plenty
of room to add muscle as he physically matures without
sacrificing any athleticism. Was considered one of the top
athletes in the 2023 draft class. Looked less athletic in 2024,
but seemed to have regained some athleticism in the field in
2025.
Hit: Starts upright and slightly
open with his hands high. Toe-tap timing device. Fringy bat
speed. Minimal weight transfer, very handsy swing. Swing is
unorthodox, leading to some inconsistencies at the plate, but
has also had stretches of making a lot of hard contact.
Performance at the plate in 2024 was very concerning, showing an
extreme amount of swing-and-miss in the zone en route to posting
a nearly 44 percent strikeout rate. Solid knowledge of the
strike zone for his age and does not chase out of the zone much.
Could take some time to adjust to professional pitching, but has
the raw tools you look for. Potential well below-average hit
tool.
Power: Will show above-average raw
power, but yet to translate in game. Has shown the ability to
produce high-end exit velocities and drive the ball over the
fence. How power actualizes in-game will depend almost entirely
on his ability to significantly improve on his ability to make
contact in the zone
Run: Average speed.
Was timed at 6.3 seconds in the 60-yard dash in high school, but
has gotten slower in pro ball and likely will continue trending
down as he physically matures.
Field:
Potential average defensive profile. Premium athlete who looked
good at whatever position he has played as an amateur. Has
played only shortstop as a professional despite the team saying
he would also be exposed to center field when he was drafted.
Fluid actions and soft hands at short. Has good range for the
position right now, but might get too big for shortstop
depending on how he physically matures.
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Arm: Above-average arm strength. Plenty for the
left side of the infield or the outfield.
Career
Notes: Was named MVP at the 2022 MLB Breakthrough
Series. Originally committed to Miami but reopened his
recruitment in February 2022 and committed to Arkansas that
October before eventually signing. Played for Team USA's 18U
team in 2022. Impressed at the 2023 MLB Draft Combine. Signed
for a significantly over-slot bonus. Participated in the 2023
Fall Performance Program. 2023 season ended roughly three weeks
early due to a hamstring strain. Named to the 2024 Spring
Breakout roster but did not play due to injury. Reinjured his
hamstring in spring training 2024, missing most of April, then
the injury recurred in his sixth game back, costing him another
two-plus weeks. Struggled mightily in 2024 when he was on the
field, putting up very concerning strikeout numbers in
particular.
Summation: Seen as a premium
athlete with five-tool potential when drafted, but has a long
way to go developmentally and his performance in 2024 raised
significant questions about his future potential. Despite once
showing tools that made him an extremely intriguing talent,
there is now a question of whether he will hit enough to get out
of the low minors. Defensive profile is well ahead of offensive
profile at this point. Strong work ethic and great makeup. How
much he hits will go a long way to determining his future
upside, but looks to have a better chance to stay at shortstop
than when he first entered the system.
Links
Red Sox select Zanetello with No. 50 overall pick (7.9.23) |
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