Nazzan Zanetello
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| Photo: Getty Images |
Bio:
Age: 18
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 180 lbs.
Bats/Throws: Right/Right
Hometown: Bridgeton, Missouri
Draft Profile: 2nd round, 50th pick of the 2023 draft by Boston Red Sox
Drafted Out of: Christian Brothers College (St. Louis)
Career Stat Line: .158 AVG .319 OBP 0 HR 2 RBI 5 SB 0.865 Fielding %
We're shipping up to Boston for this week's Minor League Spotlight, which felt appropriate given that their Class A affiliates are in town against Delmarva for a series. This week, we'll look at the BoSox' second overall pick from last July, a prospect with legitimate five-tool potential, Nazzan Zanetello.
As a child growing up near St. Louis, Nazzan was a huge fan of the game, particularly his hometown Cardinals. In 2011, his family had season tickets, allowing the kid to witness future Hall of Famer Albert Pujols live in action at the top of his sport, helping the Red Birds to their most recent World Series victory (STLToday). An inspiring figure for the ambitious 5-year old.
Ironically, Zanetello's first little league team was the St. Louis Red Sox-- a circle he'd make full about a decade later. From T-Ball on, he was hooked-- meticulous in his craft, immersing himself in the sport he loved. His father, Zach, would work overnights in order to coach or watch him play games during the day, while his mother worked two jobs to do her part to help their children realize their dreams (SI.com).
Once Nazzan reached high school, it was apparent that those dreams were becoming closer and closer to reality. His freshman season at Christian Brothers College was cancelled due to the pandemic, but an offseason of hard work sent him into his sophomore campaign with a bang, as he was a key member of their Final Four postseason run.
2022 was even busier for the ascending prospect, playing in the USA U-18 qualifying tournament that autumn, going 9-21 in eight appearances, with 7 of those hits going for extra bases (USA Baseball). He also drove in 9 and swiped 5 bases on a perfect 5 attempts, helping the national team to an 8-0 record while firmly putting himself onto the national scene.
The subsequent February, Zanetello formally committed to the University of Arkansas, despite previous ties to the Miami Hurricanes. He would never play for the Razorbacks, however. As a senior, the 6' 2" prep baller posted a .429/9/33 line while pestering opposing pitchers with 21 stolen bases (Wikipedia). He was also a spark plug in the field, possessing the necessary traits to hold down the hot corner or play anywhere up the middle.
Then came draft night. Nazzan's original plan was to watch the draft with family and close friends in his hometown, but an invitation to Seattle for the MLB Watch Party and All-Star Game festivities was far too compelling to pass up. While surrounded by stars, future, past and present, the kid from St. Louis heard his name called on day two of the draft. With the 50th overall pick, the Boston Red Sox selected the rights for Zanetello, getting a "five-tool player as well and a five-tool person." (MLB.com). They officially made him a member of the organization with a $3 million dollar signing bonus-- well over the $1.7 million slot value-- and a professional dream was realized.
The second round pick spent majority of the short season in the Florida Complex League, going 5-36 at the plate with 3 doubles and 5 stolen bags (MiLB.com). Boston curiously called him up to Class-A for one game, in which Zanetello went 1-2 with an RBI while playing exclusively at shortstop.
Through a week and a half of Class-A action, we've yet to see the Red Sox' 8th ranked prospect hit the field for Salem. But it won't be long now, and will be difficult to remove him from the lineup once he gets himself established. Zanetello won't be 19 for another six weeks either, so there's still ample time for his skillset to develop and grow. And we can't wait to see where that takes him.
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@Choppinglines
*I own no rights to any images found in this blog
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