AB | 22 |
---|---|
AVG | .273 |
OBP | .385 |
SLG | .545 |
HR | 1 |
- Full name Zachary Robert Cole
- Born 08/04/2000 in Ozark, MO
- Profile Ht.: 6'2" / Wt.: 190 / Bats: L / Throws: R
- School Ball State
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Drafted in the 10th round (313th overall) by the Houston Astros in 2022 (signed for $97,500).
View Draft Report
Cole brings a highly athletic profile to the yard. A 6.4 runner with a plus-plus arm from the outfield, the junior hit .361/.449/.727 with 10 doubles and 13 home runs. Cole does have some swing and miss issues.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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BA Grade: 50/Extreme
Track Record: Cole played in just 22 games during his first two seasons at Ball State before breaking out in his third, hitting .361/.449/.727 with 13 home runs for the Cardinals in 2022. He joined Cotuit of the Cape Cod League after the season and played in 16 games prior to the draft. The Astros selected Cole in the 10th round and signed him for a below-slot $97,500. Cole reached Low-A Fayetteville after the draft and returned to the level to begin 2023. He hit .265/.397/.494 with 11 homers and 25 steals in 70 games. Promoted to High-A Asheville on July 19, he hit .247/.349/.480 with eight homers and 12 steals in 41 games.
Scouting Report: Cole has an elite athletic capacity, providing the highest ceiling of any Houston prospect. An explosive offensive player, he falls into the category of a three true outcomes hitter. Cole’s bat-to-ball skills are well below-average, driving a high strikeout rate. He showed patience against Class A pitching, but many question the quality of his approach and how his swing decisions will translate as he moves up. Cole’s plus raw power is his carrying tool and he’s shown the ability to get to it in games by hitting 47 extra-base hits in 2023. His underlying exit velocity data is strong with a 91 mph average and a 106.5 mph 90th percentile EV, both numbers well above the major league average. Cole is an easy plus runner with long graceful strides in the outfield and the quick first step to be a basestealing threat. He’s a strong defensive outfielder with the range to handle center field and the plus-plus arm to fit in any outfield position. Despite overall hitting questions, Cole is a tooled-up specimen with big upside.
The Future: A standout defender with an exciting blend of power and speed, Cole looks like an everyday regular with all-star potential if everything breaks right.
Scouting Grades Hit: 30 | Power: 55 | Run: 60 | Field: 60 | Arm: 70