Zach McKinstry Stats & Scouting Report — College Baseball, MLB Draft, Prospects

TRACK RECORD: McKinstry hit .325 as a draft-eligible sophomore at Central Michigan and was expected to return to school, but the Dodgers snagged him in the 33rd round and signed him for $100,000. He continued to hit for average in the minors and, like so many other Dodgers prospects, made swing changes to add power and hit 19 home runs between Double-A and Triple-A in 2019. McKinstry spent most of 2020 at the alternate training site and received his first major league callup on Sept. 16, becoming the ninth player from the Dodgers 2016 draft class to reach the majors.

SCOUTING REPORT: McKinstry is a player who does everything well. He's a natural hitter who works counts, uses the whole field and hangs in well against same-side pitching. He's primarily a contact hitter, but his swing changes and added strength have enabled him to drive the ball to his pull-side for home runs. McKinstry is an above-average runner and versatile defender. His best position is second base and he's also average at shortstop and third base with the ability to play left and center field, as well. He has a plus, accurate arm with a quick release.

THE FUTURE: McKinstry is ticketed to replace Kiké Hernandez as the Dodgers do-everything utilityman in 2021. His versatility and contact skills should make him a valuable contributor.