David Dahl | OF, Rockies | Born: 4/1/1994
Background
The Rockies drafted Dahl 10th overall in 2012 out of high school. The lofty draft status was warranted — Dahl’s raw tools had baseball folks tabbing his upside among the highest in the class. His pro debut only reaffirmed his touters, as the 18-year-old’s impact was profound from the moment he stepped on the diamond at Grand Junction for his rookie-level assignment. Through 67 games that year, Dahl posted a line at .379/.423/.625 with 9 HR and 12 SB, earning the Pioneer League MVP. Naturally, he entered 2013 with enormous expectations. But after a curious misjudgment to begin the season brought fourth character concerns, and then a subsequent hamstring injury ended his season early, Dahl faded somewhat from the prospect spotlight.
Fantasy Tools Profile
Simply put, Dahl has everything you’re looking for in a fantasy outfielder: Plus pop, plus stick, plus wheels, and a high-end defensive skill set that should cement his role as an everyday guy. The character concerns that arose last spring were largely overblown — 19-year-olds don’t always think things through, believe it or not. Recent reports on his makeup and baseball acumen, actually, are quite positive.
2014
Dahl, age 20, is off to a terrific start at Low-A Asheville, batting .276/.317/.552 with 15 XBH (8 HR) and 9 SB through 124 trips to the plate. He’d do well to be more selective at the plate, but that will come with development. This year will be his first full season, and how he holds up — both in terms of health and performance — will have great influence on his stock as a prospect.
What’s Next
If all goes well, Dahl could push his way to High-A around mid-season, on track for the upper levels next year. A 2016 arrival is conceivable, but it’s much more likely that we don’t see him at Coors before 2017. He’s a top-50-type fantasy prospect for now, and there’s great risk, considering his youth and inexperience, but Dahl is the sort of talent who could push his way into the top-15 range before this season is over.
