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Overview
School: University of Miami
Position: Catcher
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 220
Bats: Left
Throws: Right
Zack Collins 2016 MLB Draft Profile
Zack Collins is the consensus top catcher in this year’s MLB draft. Originally selected in round 27 of the 2013 June Amateur Draft by the Cincinnati Reds, Collins instead decided to honor his four-year commitment to the University of Miami. Already considered a second round talent coming out of High School, Collins fell to the 27th round because teams did not believe they would be able to sign him out of high school.
In the classroom, Collins is an intelligent and dedicated student. He carried a 3.7 GPA coming out of high school, and has a 3.91 GPA as a business major at Miami. On the baseball diamond, Collins is perhaps even more impressive.
Though 170 college baseball games (as of May 10), Collins owns a combined .321/.467/.593 triple-slash line, with thirty-six doubles and thirty-five home runs. Most impressive, however, is his BB:K ratio. For his career, Collins has walked 151 times, and has struck out 141 times.
Collins’ numbers are due largely to his impressive approach at the plate. He has exceptional strikezone judgment, and has an impressive combination of bat speed, pitch selectivity, and aggression (when the time calls for it). His bat is almost Major League-ready, and he could join an MLB roster quickly based on his ability to get on base and hit for above-average power.
Where Collins falls short is behind the plate. He lacks mobility, and his arm is nothing special. He plays adequate defense overall, but is far from polished. Many believe he will eventually have to move to first base. Still, his bat alone makes him worthy of a top-fifteen pick.
Strengths:
- Exceptional plate approach and pitch selection
- Aggressive when necessary
- Impressive bat speed
- Above-average power
- High on-base percentage potential
Weaknesses:
- Average-at-best throwing arm
- Lacks mobility behind the plate
- May have to move to first base
MLB Comparison:
- As a Catcher: Jonathan Lucroy, Catcher, Milwaukee Brewers
- As a First Baseman: Chris Davis, First Base, Baltimore Orioles
Projected Pick Range: Top 15
Most Likely Landing Spots: Boston Red Sox, Chicago White Sox, Tampa Bay Rays
Bottom Line
Collins has perhaps the best bat in the draft and should reach the Major Leagues quickly on that alone. The question is whether his defense can develop enough to allow him to remain at catcher. If it does, he has perennial All-Star potential. If it doesn’t he may have to move to first base, where he should still be a star player thanks to his hit tool. A team looking to replenish its catching depth, such as the Red Sox, will jump at the the chance to take Collins.
Sources: Hurricane Athletics, Over the Monster, Minor League Ball, Perfect Game, Fueled by Sports
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