Diamondbacks 2024 Top Prospects No. 28: OF Gian Zapata

Arizona's biggest international signing of 2023 is a raw, but toolsy outfielder that could intrigue as he matures.

This article is part of a series counting down the Diamondbacks Top 30 prospects entering the 2024 season. These rankings are determined by Michael McDermott, in conjunction with the Inside the Diamondbacks staff.

Bio: Gian Zapata was ranked as the 18th best prospect by both Baseball America and MLB Pipeline heading into the January 15th signing period. A 17-year-old with long limbs that projects to above-average raw power in the future as he fills out and adds more muscle plus the athleticism to play any outfield position, the D-backs signed him for $950,000 out of the Dominican Republic. 

Rank: 28

Age: 18

Height/Weight: 6'4" 195 lbs.

Bats/Throws: Left/Left

Tools: Hit 40, Power 60, Defense 50, Run 55, Arm 60, Overall 40

ETA: 2028

2023 Recap: After signing, the 17-year-old Zapata played in the Dominican Summer League. He was one of three players in the D-backs organization that was named an National League All-Star in the DSL. In 44 games he hit .254 with nine home runs and an .886 OPS. He struck out 48 times in 165 plate appearances (29%), a concern given his lanky frame. Defensively Zapata started 25 games in center and 12 in right, an indication of where he'll start and where he'll likely end up long term. Overall that should be a considered a successful debut, as the results matched the scouting reports and highlighted key strengths and weaknesses.

2024 Expectations: Zapata will likely start the year in Extended Spring Training before the organization decides whether or not he should repeat in the DSL or the Complex League. The strikeout numbers serve as a caution about his ability to handle a more advanced level. In 2024, he'll need to reduce the strikeout rate while maintaining the good quality of contact he showed in 2023. Ideally he's able to handle the assignment of the complex, but at 18 is still not too old for a quick DSL repeat either.

Projection: Zapata has the ceiling of a five-tool right fielder, but a lot needs to go right for him to get there. He'll need to tighten up his swing path as he gets more reps in, as it can occasionally get long. Defensively he's more likely to move off center field as he adds another 10-15 pounds of muscle, especially in his legs. That should yield better raw power and arm strength in the future. If the swing-and-miss issues persist, there is potential bust risk or a limited ceiling as a platoon bat in the outfield.