Victor Roache

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Milwaukee Brewers #24 prospect in 2016
  The Brewers knew Roache was a high-risk/high-reward gamble when they made him the 28th overall pick in 2012, but his uncommon power ultimately persuaded them to take the plunge. They did so despite the fact that he had suffered a major wrist injury as a Georgia Southern junior. Sure enough, Roache struggled in his first two years as a pro with low batting averages and high strikeout totals while hitting enough home runs to make things interesting. Sent back to high Class A Brevard County to open the 2015 season, Roache began figuring some things out and moved to Double-A Biloxi at midseason. Roache still struggles with plate discipline and doesn't walk enough, but with power in such high demand, the Brewers will keep sending him out there to see if he develops a more well-rounded offensive game. With modest range and an average arm, he is limited to left field. Roache does get high marks for his work ethic and makeup, so if he increases his contact rate, he could be a regular corner outfielder in the majors.
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  Ranked Milwaukee Brewers #18 prospect in 2015
  The Brewers knew it would take time for Roache to get going after he missed most of his final season at Georgia Southern in 2012 with a severe wrist injury. That didn't stop them from taking him in the first round. To this point, he has been an all-or-nothing hitter because of poor plate discipline, in particular the inability to lay off breaking pitches off the plate. His raw power has been his only real tool of note, leading to 40 home runs in his first two seasons. But Roache must improve his contact rate (28 percent career strikeout rate) and on-base percentage (.310) to profile as a regular player. He is a fringe defender with an average-at-best arm, likely limiting him to left field. The Brewers like his work ethic and believe his dedication gives him a chance to make the most of his ability, but at this point he projects to be a hitter along the lines of Jonny Gomes. The Brewers probably will promote Roache to Double-A Biloxi.
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  Ranked Milwaukee Brewers #5 prospect in 2014
  The Brewers knew it would take some time to get Roache back on the field and swinging the bat well after he missed most of his final season at Georgia Southern with a severe wrist injury that required screws, pins and a metal plate to repair. He made his pro debut in late-April 2013 and, as might be expected, he struggled to recover his stroke at low Class A Wisconsin in the first half. He settled in during the second half, posting an .840 OPS with 16 homers in 277 at-bats. Roache has the kind of raw power that isn't easy to find. He can send pitches to far-off places, using his strength, bat speed and timing. The righty hitter struggles with breaking balls at times but crushes mistakes. He has to become more selective as a hitter to maximize his offensive potential. Roache does not project to be a high-average hitter but could hit 30 homers if he puts enough balls in play. He has fringy speed and only adequate arm strength and profiles strictly as a left fielder. The Brewers like his work habits and devotion to come back from what could have been a career-limiting injury. Roache should continue to improve as he compiles at-bats and continues to knock off the rust from missing more than a year of competition. His power stroke will be tested in 2014 as he moves up to high Class A Brevard County, which is not home-run friendly. He could move quickly if he makes consistent contact.
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  Ranked Milwaukee Brewers #7 prospect in 2013
  The Brewers thought they got one of the steals of the 2012 draft when Roache fell to the 28th overall pick. After leading NCAA Division I with 30 homers in 2011, he broke his left wrist diving for a ball six games into his junior season. The injury required six screws, two pins and a metal plate to repair and he didn't play again for Georgia Southern or in the minors after signing for $1,525,000. Roache's calling card is his top-shelf power potential, the product of strength, bat speed and patience. Some scouts question his ability to recognize and handle breaking balls, and his swing can get stiff at times. He may not make enough contact to hit for a high average, but his power should be worth it. Roache has fringy speed and average arm strength, with the instincts to be an effective corner outfielder. Milwaukee praises his devotion to coming back from his injury as soon as possible, as he worked hard so he could take part in instructional league. The Brewers' medical reports indicate that Roache will make a complete recovery. With his track record of college success, he'll start his career at one of their Class A affiliates. It may take time for him to return to form, but he has the potential to be an impact offensive player.

Draft Prospects

• Ranked #22 prospect in 2012 draft
  Roache was the fourth-ranked player in the state of Michigan out of high school in 2009, and wound up heading South when he didn't sign as the homestate Tigers' 25th-round pick. After hitting .252/.408/.464 as a freshman, Roache exploded as a sophomore hitting 30 home runs to lead the nation and become the first Division I player to reach 30 since 2003. He did it despite the introduction of the less-potent BBCOR bats, in a year when offense in college baseball plunged by 50 percent, while slicing his strikeout rate. Roache struggled in the second half of the Cape Cod League last summer, then broke his left wrist diving to make a catch on Feb. 25. The complicated surgery required the insertion of six screws, two pins and a metal plate to repair the damage; as one scout put it, "This was closer to Cliff Floyd than a regular broken wrist." Roache has average speed and arm strength and plays hard. Teams ultimately are investing on a corner bat power profile, having to do so based more on what they saw last year than the six games (with two homers) Roache played in this season before the injury. Roache had indicated he would try to come back for the Southern Conference tournament, which could help determine whether or not he goes in the first round.

• December, 2012 Scouting Report
  Background: The Brewers thought they got one of the steals of the 2012 draft when Roache fell to the 28th overall pick. After leading NCAA Division I with 30 homers in 2011, he broke his left wrist diving for a ball six games into his junior season. The injury required six screws, two pins and a metal plate to repair and he didn't play again for Georgia Southern or in the minor leagues after signing for $1,525,000. Scouting Report: Roache's calling card is his top-shelf power potential, the product of strength, bat speed and patience. Some scouts question his ability to recognize and handle breaking balls, and his swing can get stiff at times. He may not make enough contact to hit for a high average, but his power should be worth it. Roache has fringy speed and average arm strength, with the instincts to be an effective corner outfielder. Milwaukee praises his devotion to coming back from his injury as soon as possible, as he worked hard so he could take part in instructional league. The Future: The Brewers' medical reports indicate that Roache will make a complete recovery. With his track record of college success, he'll start his career at one of their Class A affiliates. It may take time for him to return to form, but he has the potential to be an impact offensive player.