What to Expect from Rockies Outfielder Zac Veen

Amidst a slump from outfielder Jordan Beck, the Rockies are reportedly giving Zac Veen his first turn at the MLB level. Veen will make his MLB debut nearly five full years since he was drafted by Colorado. And, it comes after two trying seasons, as Veen was limited in 2023 (wrist surgery) and 2024 (thumb, back).

A Look at Veen

Five years ago, the Rockies selected Zac Veen with the ninth overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft. Veen was a standout high school player down in Florida who was believed to be a premium prospect thanks to his athleticism, hitting ability, and projectability.

However, it hasn’t been easy for Veen since going pro.

The 23-year-old lived up to expectations in 2021, as he hit .301/.399/.501 (.900 OPS) over 106 games with Fresno (A). But a year later in 2022 between High-A and Double-A, his power numbers took a nose dive outside of the California League, with a .384 SLG (.139 ISO). Veen had two injury-riddled seasons in 2023 and 2024. He played fewer than 70 games in both years.

However, Veen was off to a hot start with the Isotopes (AAA), as he was hitting .387/.472/.677 (1.149 OPS) with six extra-base hits over eight games in Albuquerque (AAA).

Scouting reports were skeptical of Veen’s power potential, as he showed more hit than power at the high school level. That’s remained roughly true at the pro level, even though he’s shown more swing-and-miss than one would like to see from a hitter who doesn’t have plus pop.

He posted a 22.1% Whiff% rate off fastballs in Triple-A. However, the numbers against breaking balls (31.5% Whiff%) weren’t too bad.