I’m done writing about Miami Hurricanes.  For a while, at least.  I’m moving on to another SEC top of the line player.

Zach DeLoach is one of the top NCAA outfielders available in the 2020 MLB Draft.  DeLoach opened a lot of eyes and radically improved his draft stock over the 2019 summer with an excellent stint in the Cape Cod League.  DeLoach hit .353/.428/.541 for the Falmouth Commodores from the left side.  DeLoach tapped into his power hitting five home runs showing scouts that missing part to his game.  DeLoach also touched on the speed aspect by stealing eight bases against Cape catchers.  Scouts still need to figure out which version of DeLoach is the one they will be drafting this spring because he’s a career .236/.338/.338 hitter at Texas A&M.  

DeLoach uses a short, compact left-handed swing which has the ability to produce contact and some power.  DeLoach really took a step forward in his development over the off season adding power to his game.  DeLoach has talked about making some mechanical changes during the 2019 season.  Struggling though those changes left him with little confidence and struggling mentally.  

When DeLoach got to Falmouth, he was able to put all that behind him and just play with a fresh start.  That allowed DeLoach to play as a free man and tap into his potential.  DeLoach said mechanically he adjusted his load and started working on staying through balls better.  As the Cape season wore on, he just kept getting better hitting over .500 at one point early in July.  

Through the first 18 games before the Aggies season ended, DeLoach was hitting .421/.547/.789.  DeLoach had shown power hitting six home runs.  He also showed his speed going 6-6 on stolen base attempts.  DeLoach showcased his ability to drive in runs with 17.  DeLoach was on pace for close to 20 home runs, 20 stolen bases, and 60 RBI.  

DeLoach also gets on base and does not strikeout much walking 14 times compared to just 3 strikeouts this spring.  He possesses good contact skills and shows a good two-strike approach.  Remember, that’s 3 strikeouts in 18 games.

DeLoach has a strong arm giving him the ability to play right field in professional baseball.  DeLoach hit 93 his senior year of high school from the outfield and has since added some strength.  

We might still be figuring out what kind of hitter DeLoach actually is but he seems to be able to run, get on base, drive in runs, and hit for power.  DeLoach also has the ability to play the small game by bunting and hitting behind runners.  DeLoach doesn’t give up many free outs forcing the defense to make a play when he comes to the plate.  With that combination of skills, he could hit anywhere in a lineup going forward.  His advanced bat profile will be very beneficial to any team.  

I haven’t seen his named mentioned in a mock draft for a while.  People seem to be on Daniel Cabrera right now which is fine.  Personally, I like DeLoach slightly more because I think he will hit for more power and will play right field in pro ball.  Cabrera is being mentioned in the first round, though.  This draft is going to be very interesting from about 41 on.  There are a lot of high polished college players that deserve to be picked.  The high school guys have to be bought out of their school commitments and there are only five rounds really providing a lot of leverage.  DeLoach could be available at 76 and deserves consideration there.  However, all that pitching is likely to have dropped as well and be a tough choice in that spot.

Make sure you check out the other names we’ve looked at in the 2020 MLB Draft Profile library!

Photo from Rough Tough, Real Stuff Flickr page.