Zach Walters

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Washington Nationals #14 prospect in 2014
  A ninth-round pick by the Diamondbacks, Walters was traded for Jason Marquis in 2011. A broken hamate bone sapped his power in 2012, but he stayed healthy at Triple-A Syracuse in 2013 and saw his power numbers jump, tying for the International League lead with 29 home runs and earning him a September callup. Walters has good extension and leverage in his swing, particularly from the left side (he hit 25 of 29 homers in 2013 against righties). He has above-average raw power and the ability to drive the ball to all fields, but he is a free swinger who must learn to control the strike zone and take more walks. He has a tendency to get out on his front side and chase pitches. Walters is a good athlete with a plus arm that plays at shortstop, but he has stiff hands and he tends to make too many careless throwing errors. If he can improve his defensive instincts and actions, he could become an adequate defensive shortstop with offensive upside. Walters, however, profiles better as a utilityman who can fill in all around the infield or on an outfield corner. He's a fringe-average runner who lacks exceptional first-step quickness but is better underway. Walters could compete for a backup job in the majors in 2104, but he would benefit from more time at Triple-A to refine all aspects of his game.
• 
  Ranked Washington Nationals #10 prospect in 2013
  Acquired from the Diamondbacks for Jason Marquis in July 2011, Walters broke the hamate bone in his right hand during his first spring training with the Nationals. The injury limited him to eight games in April but he played his way to Triple-A by August. He had a solid winter in Puerto Rico as well. Walters stands out for his smooth, fluid swing from both sides of the plate, though he fared markedly better from the left side than the right in 2012. His swing has excellent extension and leverage, giving him a chance to be an average hitter with fringy power if he can improve his plate discipline. He needs to stick with a plan at the plate and avoid chasing pitches early in counts. Walters' other notable tool is his plus arm, which is accurate and gives him a chance to play shortstop in the big leagues. His hands work in the infield, but he must improve his pre-pitch positioning and routes. He's a fringy runner. Washington believes Walters has the athleticism and aptitude to play six different positions, suggesting he could be a valuable utilityman with a quality bat if he can't force his way into an everyday role. He'll head back to Syracuse in 2013.
• 
  Ranked Washington Nationals #19 prospect in 2012
  The Diamondbacks found a great value in Walters, signing him for $97,500 as a ninth-round pick in 2010. He impressed scouts with his solid tools and good feel for the game during the first half of the 2011 season in the low Class A Midwest League, and Arizona traded him to the Nationals for Jason Marquis in July. The switch-hitting Walters has good barrel release and extension out front from both sides, but Washington would like him to let the ball travel more to improve his pitch recognition. Walters has some leverage in his swing and he could develop fringe-average power if he incorporates his legs in his swing more consistently. He excels at driving balls into the gaps and has a chance to be an average or slightly better hitter. Walters has below-average speed but runs the bases aggressively and instinctively. His slightly above-average arm plays at shortstop, but his range is a little lacking for the position. His hands and actions are solid, and he has the versatility to play second or third base. He profiles as a valuable utilityman with a shot to be an infield regular. Walters figures to reach Double-A at some point in 2012, perhaps out of spring training.
• 
  Ranked Arizona Diamondbacks #29 prospect in 2011
  Walters was the first position player drafted by the Diamondbacks after they selected eight straight pitchers to start the 2010 draft. He missed part of his junior season with a dislocated thumb but returned to help San Diego advance to NCAA regional play. Signed for $97,500, Walters was a favorite of short-season Northwest League managers in his pro debut. He's a smart, physical player whose aptitude for the game will probably outweigh his tools. He showed surprising pop from both sides of the plate, with the ability to hit for average. He's a good runner who shows instincts on the bases. He has a loose body with good actions on the field and the ability to slow the game down. He's a good, accurate thrower with good hands, but some scouts question whether he'll have the arm and range to play shortstop in the big leagues. Walters projects more as a utility player who can play all infield positions, drawing one comparison to major league veteran Geoff Blum, who coincidentally signed with Arizona for the 2011 season. Walters will move on to low Class A for his first full season.

Minor League Top Prospects

• 
  Ranked Northwest League #14 prospect in 2010
  Walters struggled this spring at San Diego, hitting just .252/.318/.388 while playing through a dislocated thumb. He put that performance behind him in the NWL, where he was one of the league's biggest surprises. Walters has an impressive 6-foot-3, 193-pound frame and a similar swing from both sides of the plate. While shortening his stroke after turning pro, he showed some snap in his swing and some intriguing power potential. He's an average runner with good instincts on the bases. He also impressed defensively, showing good range, soft hands and above-average arm strength. He's a smart player who reads swings well and knows what his pitcher is trying to do. He plays hard all the time and is a good leader. "He's very similar to Brandon Crawford," said Vancouver manager Rick Magnante, referencing the Giants prospect who spent most of 2010 in Double-A. "Good body, probably more run tool than Crawford, but similar arms, similar range, similar guys."

• December, 2012 Scouting Report
  Background: Acquired from the Diamondbacks for Jason Marquis in July 2011, Walters broke the hamate bone in his right hand during his first spring training with the Nationals. The injury limited him to eight games in April but he played his way to Triple-A by August. He had a solid winter in Puerto Rico as well. Scouting Report: Walters stands out for his smooth, fluid swing from both sides of the plate, though he fared markedly better from the left side than the right in 2012. His swing has excellent extension and leverage, giving him a chance to be an average hitter with fringy power if he can improve his plate discipline. He needs to stick with a plan at the plate. Walters' other notable tool is his plus arm, which is accurate and gives him a chance to play shortstop in the big leagues. His hands work in the infield, but he must improve his pre-pitch positioning and routes. He's a fringy runner. The Future: Washington believes Walters has the athleticism and aptitude to play six different positions, suggesting he could be a valuable utilityman with a quality bat if he can't force his way into an everyday role. He'll head back to Syracuse in 2013.