Zac Veen’s professional career is young, but the early returns should have Rockies fans feeling optimistic.
Veen, Colorado’s No. 1-ranked prospect, was drafted ninth overall out of Spruce Creek High (Fla.) last year. He is tearing it up for the Class-A Fresno Grizzlies this summer.
Widely considered the top high school player in last year’s draft, Veen’s acclimated quickly to his first stop in pro ball. The left-handed, power-hitting outfielder is slashing .302/.398/.528 through his first 80 games, with 14 home runs, 59 RBIs and 30 steals.
Veen’s homer tally is tied for seventh in the Low-A West league, while he also ranks in the top 10 in average, on-base percentage, slugging, steals and OPS (.926). His season has included a video-game 4-for-4 day on July 15 in which Veen hit two homers, racked up six RBIs and stole a base.
The 19-year-old has looked good in the field, too, with just two errors across 49 games in right field and 22 games in left field (he’s also been the designated hitter in nine games).
Veen is not the only highly-ranked Colorado prospect doing well this season. Michael Toglia, the organization’s third-ranked prospect by MLB Pipeline, hit 17 homers in 74 games for Class-A Advanced Spokane before the switch-hitting first baseman got called up to Double-A Hartford on Aug. 3.
With the way Veen is playing, he is also in line for a second-half promotion to Spokane. He’s clearly passed his Fresno test with flying colors, including a sizzling August in which he’s posted a 1.412 OPS through eight games.
— Kyle Newman, The Denver Post
If you enjoy The Denver Post’s sports coverage, we have a new subscription offer for you!
Whatap on tap?
TV/RADIO: Here’s what sports are airing today
Ask the Expert
+ Rockies Mailbag: Have a question about the team? Tap here to ask Patrick Saunders.
+Want to chat about the Rockies?.
Get in Touch
If you see something thatap cause for question or have a comment, thought or suggestion, email me at jbailey@denverpost.comortweet me
