3 days agoThe Denver Post's Patrick Saunders writes that Colorado Rockies outfield prospect
Zac Veen, the ninth overall pick in 2020, is pushing hard for an Opening Day roster spot this spring. Entering Wednesday's action, he was batting .318 with a .991 OPS, two home runs, four doubles and 11 RBI while also leading the Cactus League with seven steals. The 23-year-old plays with energy and could be a needed spark, but it remains to be seen if Veen can be a viable backup in center field to
Brenton Doyle. The primary goal is to get Veen consistent at-bats, and even with
Sam Hilliard really struggling in camp, the Rockies have decent outfield depth. Both
Sean Bouchard and
Nick Martini have had strong springs. Injuries have held Veen back in the minors so far in his career, and his elevated strikeout rate could be a problem, but if he does find regular playing time on the big-league squad, he could become fantasy relevant in a hurry.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Denver Post - Patrick Saunders
2 weeks agoColorado Rockies outfield prospect
Zac Veen had a productive day at the plate on Tuesday, going 2-for-2 with a double, a home run, three RBI, and one run scored in Tuesday's 8-5 Cactus League loss to the Reds. The former ninth-overall draft pick is now 9-for-31 (.290) this spring with two home runs and four stolen bases in 15 games. While he isn't likely to make the Opening Day roster, he's probably just one injury away from getting the call to the big leagues. The Rockies' eighth ranked prospect hasn't hit for average or shown much pop in the minors, but has a career 12.1 percent walk rate (.355 OBP) and stole 21 bases last season between Double and Triple-A (with as many as 55 steals in 2022), so he has some intrigue for fantasy were he to get the call.
--Jarod Rupp - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
4 weeks agoColorado Rockies outfield prospect
Zac Veen has enjoyed an impressive start to spring training. During his first five games in the Cactus League, the 23-year-old has gone 4-for-13 with two doubles, one home run, four RBI, and three stolen bases. He has only struck out once and held a strong 1.049 OPS. The former ninth overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft has battled injuries throughout his minor league career but has performed very well when on the field. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his development during camp, as a strong spring could open the door for an early 2025 MLB debut. Last summer, the Spruce Creek HS product logged 65 games in the minor leagues. Across his first 21 contests at the Triple-A level, Veen held a .220/.281/.476 line with six home runs and six swiped bags. Veen could become an intriguing late-round flier in deeper formats if he continues this elite production during spring training.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
4 weeks agoColorado Rockies outfield prospect
Zac Veen launched a 433-foot home run during their spring training contest against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday afternoon. Veen is considered the No. 3 prospect in the system on MLB Pipeline. Injuries have limited Veen's playing time over the past two seasons. However, when on the field, the outfielder has been productive. Last season, the 23-year-old logged just 65 games in the minor leagues. He spent most of his time at Double-A, where he held a .268/.359/.457 line with five home runs and 10 stolen bases. Veen was then given a brief look at Triple-A, where he posted a .220/.281/.476 line with six home runs across just 21 games. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his development during spring training, but given that Veen only saw a brief look at Triple-A, he will likely open the 2025 campaign at that level.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Patrick Lyons
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