Davis Diaz

Diaz first rose to prominence as a standout on USA Baseball’s 12U and 15U national teams, highlighted by his .514 on-base percentage as Team USA’s starting second baseman at the 2018 WBSC U-15 World Cup in Panama. Other players in Northern California entered this spring with more hype, but Diaz consistently outperformed them all to emerge as the region’s top prep prospect in the draft class. Diaz isn’t the biggest or toolsiest player, but he does everything well and plays the game at an exceptionally high level. At the plate he recognizes pitches, uses the whole field, shortens up with two strikes and makes consistent hard contact to project as an average to above-average hitter. He isn’t particularly big at 5-foot-11, 175 pounds, but he is sneaky strong and has a chance to reach double-digit home runs as he adds more muscle to his frame. Diaz shines on the defensive side of the ball. He is an instinctive, athletic defender who moves well in all directions, has soft hands and gets rid of the ball quickly to help his average arm play up. He’s a below-average runner, but his instincts and advanced baseball IQ help him project as an average shortstop or plus defensive second baseman. Diaz spent time behind the plate this spring and impressed evaluators with how quickly he picked up catching. His athleticism, hands, quick release and aptitude have some teams preferring him as a catcher, but others want to leave him in the middle infield. Diaz’s work ethic earns raves and should help him get the most from his ability. He is committed to Vanderbilt.