MLB Prospect Review: David Dahl, OF, Colorado Rockies

Throughout the minor league season, the prospect staff here at Fake Teams will look at a number of prospects for your fantasy and dynasty teams. Some will be prospects that you'll see this year in the majors, while others are interesting targets in longer term formats. Up today is a prospect who was a bit overlooked after a lost season, David Dahl of the Colorado Rockies

The Basics

Bats: Left
Throws: Right
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 185 lbs.
On 40-Man Roster: No 
Protect After: 2016 Season
DOB: 4/1/1994 (Age 20 Season)

His History

Dahl was drafted by the Rockies with the #10 overall pick in the 2012 draft from a Birmingham, Alabama high school. He signed with the team for a bonus of $2.6 million shortly after the draft, and was thrown right into the fire of Grand Junction in the Pioneer League. The competition level did not faze Dahl, who hit .379/.423/.625 with nine home runs, 57 RBI, and 12 stolen bases in 67 games played.

After a solid spring training in 2013, Dahl was headed to full-season Low-A Asheville, where it was expected that he would continue to destroy baseballs at a regular rate, and move along towards the majors. However, after missing his early morning flight to report to Asheville, the team decided to return him to extended spring training as punishment. He returned to Low-A after a few weeks back in Arizona, and within two weeks of arriving, suffered a torn hamstring which kept him out of action for the remainder of the season. As a result, he only appeared in 10 games last year, and none after May 7th.The team sent him back to Low-A to start this year, and so far he has hit .261/.301/.500 with eight home runs, 17 RBI, and nine stolen bases in 33 games.

The Scouting Report

Hit (AVG): Dahl is considered a potentially elite hitter, capable of providing high batting averages on a consistent basis. His swing is very easy and fluid when he is on, and is viewed as having a very advanced approach at the plate for a high school draftee.

Power (HR, RBI): Dahl is expected to have average power when he reaches the majors, capable of providing 10-15 home runs a season. He'll also be an interesting player for points leagues, as his swing should lend itself to lots of extra base hits in Colorado's spacious outfield.

Speed (R, SB): Dahl is an above-average runner, and does not appear to have lost anything from the hamstring injury in 2013. He could put up 25+ stolen bases on a regular basis in the majors, and potentially provide 80+ runs on a consistent basis as well.

Defense: Dahl has played center field almost exclusively so far in the minors, and is considered a strong enough defender to stay there long-term.

When Could He Arrive in the Majors?

It seems likely that Dahl will spend a majority of the 2014 season at Low-A, which could keep him in the minors until some time in 2017. It is possible that if he performs well enough, the Rockies move him more quickly, but he still has three additional levels between him and the majors.

What Can He Do for Your Fantasy Team?

Dahl has the potential to be a fantasy monster. He's capable of having years where he hits .300 with 15 home runs, 30-35 stolen bases, 95 runs and 70 RBI. He'll have additional value in leagues with individual outfield spots (LF, CF, RF).

Conclusions

The opportunity to buy low on Dahl is probably leaving rapidly at this point, as he has hit well so far this year after a completely lost 2013 season. He has the potential to be a top 10 outfielder in the major leagues for a number of years, and should jump back up prospect rankings after this season.

Sources

Baseball America
Baseball Reference
Baseball Prospectus
The Baseball Cube
Fangraphs
MLB Farm
Purple Row
MILB.com
Youtube