Draft Prospect Series: Zac Veen

Zac Veen is an 18 year old outfielder who is currently a high school player. He is most commonly ranked the best high school level prospect in the draft, and isn’t expected to make it out of the top ten, potentially being picked as high as fourth. He is most commonly found in the 4-7 spots in mock drafts. Veen has already committed to the University of Florida, but is likely to end up signing in the draft considering how highly he is to be selected.

Veen is ultimately known for his bat. He is a strong contact hitter with pop who is able to hit to all parts of the field. Although he isn’t much of a defender, his offensive abilities and smooth swing have scouts excited. His 6’4 frame is an ideal size for a balanced offensive player, and if he were able to add some more muscle, he could be a serious offensive threat. Although high school prospects are usually a risk being drafted at 18 years of age, the potential scouts see can quickly vanish any doubt. Some former first round high school talent includes Christian Yelich, Mike Trout, Clayton Kershaw, Manny Machado, and many other of the game's elite players. Yelich and Trout even made it past more than 20 picks before being drafted (Yelich 23, Trout 25), and are part of the reason high school prospects are being selected so early on today.

Although Veen might not be a top 3 pick in the draft, he is a solid prospect with high potential. Not only is he ranked the best high school player in the state of Florida, but he has also become the top ranked high schooler in the country. Despite the Jays targeting pitching in the draft, Veen could quickly become an option if Asa Lacy and Emerson Hancock come off the board early. After pitching, the outfield is the team’s next priority, so it could be very possible they turn him as a solution to their future outfield problems if he slips past the Marlins and Royals.