Derek Dietrich

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Miami Marlins #12 prospect in 2013
  A third-round pick of the Astros in 2007, Dietrich opted to attend Georgia Tech and went a round higher in the 2010 draft to the Rays. After he reached Double-A and moved from shortstop to second base, Tampa Bay traded him for Yunel Escobar after the Marlins added Escobar in their massive deal with the Blue Jays. Dietrich has good power for a middle infielder, as his quick hands and natural strength allow him to drive the ball. He has homered 36 times in his two full pro seasons. While his plate discipline has improved, he struggles at times trying to do too much at the plate, leading to an uppercut stroke. It was only a matter of time before he moved off shortstop, because Dietrich lacks the actions, first-step quickness and range for the position. His hands are soft and he has plenty of arm strength to turn double plays. He's a below-average runner. The trade opens possibilities for Dietrich, as neither second nor third base is settled in Miami. He's likely to start 2013 at second base in Double-A, but he also could supplant Zack Cox as the organization's best third-base option. If he's not a regular, Dietrich's lefthanded bat should help him earn a spot as a utility infielder.
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  Ranked Tampa Bay Rays #13 prospect in 2012
  The top pick (third round) in a 2007 Astros draft that will live in infamy, Dietrich turned down Houston to attend Georgia Tech and became a second-rounder three years later. He progressed as hoped during his first full pro season in 2011, leading Rays farmhands with 22 homers and ranking second in the Midwest League with 60 extra-base hits and 241 total bases. Dietrich generates above-average power from the left side of the plate with his quick hands and natural strength. He tries to muscle the ball out of the park on occasion, which adds uppercut and length to his swing, reducing his effectiveness. To his credit, he worked hard over the course of last season on making more consistent line-drive contact and improving his plate discipline, though he still struck out 128 times. A shortstop during his first two pro seasons, Dietrich doesn't have the range or quick-twitch athleticism to remain at the position at higher levels. He has soft hands and good arm strength, which make him a candidate at third base and possibly second. He's a below-average runner but not a liability on the bases. Dietrich does many things well and has a chance to develop into a productive big league regular. Next on his agenda is a full season in high Class A.
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  Ranked Tampa Bay Rays #22 prospect in 2011
  Dietrich was the Astros' top pick (third round) in the 2007 draft but chose to attend Georgia Tech rather than accept Houston's slot-money offer of $270,000. Three years later, he went one round higher and signed for $457,200. Dietrich, who hit 17 homers for the Yellow Jackets last spring, stands out most with his power. He has good physical strength and drives the ball consistently from the left side of the plate. He needs to focus on hitting line drives and let his power come naturally instead of adding loft to his swing, which gets him into trouble at times. Though he played shortstop in his pro debut, Dietrich lacks the range and fast-twitch athleticism to play the position much longer. He's a below-average runner with soft hands and a strong arm, so he probably will fit better at third base than at second or short. Some Rays officials believe he could become a versatile defender who plays a variety of positions, including left field. Dietrich holds promise but isn't expected to develop into a game-changer at the major league level. The grandson of former big leaguer Steve Demeter, he'll open his first full season in low Class A.

Minor League Top Prospects

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  Ranked Midwest League #19 prospect in 2011
  Dietrich had one of the best power bats in the league, ranking second in extra-base hits (60) and total bases (241), third in homers (22) and fifth in slugging (.502). He's at his best when he lets homers come from his natural strength rather than getting too aggressive and trying to lift balls out of the park. His plate discipline improved in the final two months, when he hit 15 longballs. There's effort in everything Dietrich does, but he gets the job done and doesn't have a glaring weakness. He has quick hands and uses the opposite field, so he can hit for a good average if he continues to tighten his strike zone. He has below-average speed but isn't a baseclogger. While Dietrich has played exclusively at shortstop as a pro, a move is in his near future. He has soft hands and solid arm strength but lacks the range and quickness for short. He has a chance to play second base and profiles best defensively at third base.

• December, 2012 Scouting Report
  Background: A third-round pick of the Astros in 2007, Dietrich opted to attend Georgia Tech and went a round higher in the 2010 draft. He has homered 36 times in his two full pro seasons, reaching Double-A in the process. He played shortstop until reaching Montgomery, where he moved to second base in deference to Hak-Ju Lee. Scouting Report: One of the better power hitters in the system, Dietrich could be a poor man's Jeff Kent. Dietrich's quick hands and natural strength allow him to drive the ball. While his plate discipline has improved, he struggles at times trying to do too much at the plate, leading to an uppercut stroke. It was only a matter of time before he moved off shortstop, because he lacks the actions and range for the position. His hands are relatively soft and he has plenty of arm strength to turn double plays. He's a below-average runner. The Future: With second base somewhat of a revolving door with Tampa Bay, Dietrich could be a long-term answer at the keystone sack--especially if Tim Beckham doesn't get his bat going. Where the Rays send Beckham to start 2013 may determine whether Dietrich opens in Triple-A Durham or Double-A Montgomery. A big league promotion could be possible late in the year.