2023 MLB Draft: Zion Rose, C, IMG Academy

Player: Zion Rose
School:  IMG Academy                                                 Position(s): Catcher
Height: 6โ€™1โ€                Weight: 210 lbs.                     Bats: Right                    Throws: Right
Hit: Great balance in swing, bat stays in a line drive plane. Hips fire well, bat is quick, plus bat control especially fighting balls off with two strikes. Hands do drift low at times and will get under the ball a bit too often.
 
Power: Ball really jumps. Mainly gap extra base power currently, but 20 HR power potential not unrealistic. Strong and mature body doesnโ€™t leave a ton of projection, but strength will likely be added in time. 
Run: 6.40 60, 11.4 on triple, sub 3 steal. All point to plus speed for a catcher and average to better for position player, type of athlete who could play other positions if needed. Aggressive on bases, not afraid to push it to get an extra base especially with balls in dirt. 
Arm: 2.15 pop in game, 1.90 showcase. Arm above-average overall, good accuracy. Enough to manage the running game. 
Glove: Squares up well when blocking the ball, does do a one knee block at times but even then keeps body square and ball in front. Quick feet behind the dish to cover lateral ground and keep the ball in front. Quick actions and good hands.
Other: Transferred to IMG Academy from Brother Rice in Chicago, IL for 2023 season. Spoken with several scouts/players who have spent a good amount of time around him, by all accounts makeup is a plus tool as well. 
Summary: May not be the best player in the draft but is my favorite player in the draft. The skill set is as unique as it gets being an athletic catcher who can hit and run. Type of guy who could play multiple positions if needed, especially if used to manage workload as a pro. Would not hesitate at all to draft with a pick in the teens, he was actually ranked my 12th best high school prospect in my Prospects1500 list

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