Zac Veen, once a top-rated prospect for the Colorado Rockies, envisioned a quick rise to the major leagues. However, his path has been more tumultuous, filled with ups and downs that have ultimately shaped him into a more resilient player.
Drafted ninth overall by the Rockies in 2020 from Florida’s Spruce Creek High School, Veen was initially heralded for his speed and power. Despite this promise, his journey to the majors has been hampered by challenges, including a significant wrist injury. This setback necessitated a reassessment and a fresh start at Double-A Hartford, where he is now excelling. His current performance, highlighted by a .341 batting average and a 1.027 OPS, positions him for a potential promotion to Triple-A Albuquerque and possibly a major league debut by the end of the season.
Chris Forbes, the Rockies’ farm director, has noticed a marked improvement in Veen’s confidence and purpose at the plate. Veen himself acknowledges that feeling healthy has been a crucial factor in regaining his form. His impressive stats this season—five home runs and nine steals in ten attempts—underscore his comeback. The experience has also imparted valuable lessons, making him not only a better player but a more mature individual.
The transition to Double-A is often a significant hurdle for young players, as the competition intensifies and the allure of the major leagues becomes more palpable. Forbes notes that players can become distracted by their proximity to the big leagues, losing focus on the present. For Veen, however, the mental reset has been beneficial. It allowed him to manage the pressures and expectations that come with being a top prospect more effectively.
Veen’s trajectory saw him shine in Low-A Fresno with impressive stats in 2021, and he continued to show promise in 2022 at High-A Spokane and in the Arizona Fall League. However, his performance dipped after a promotion to Double-A, primarily due to an undisclosed wrist injury that significantly hampered his play. The injury, sustained while diving for a ball, was initially kept secret as Veen tried to push through the pain, a decision he now regrets.
Reflecting on the past, Veen wishes he had addressed his injury sooner, understanding the fine line between playing through discomfort and acknowledging a debilitating issue. His eventual surgery and recovery period offered him a new perspective, enabling him to reconnect with his love for the game and strengthen his relationships with teammates. This newfound clarity and approach to his career have rejuvenated his performance and outlook.
Rockies center fielder Brenton Doyle, who played alongside Veen in Hartford, has observed Veen’s infectious energy and quick learning ability, particularly in outfield defense. Despite previous struggles, Veen’s determination and belief in his abilities have remained unwavering. Now, as he continues to impress at Double-A, Veen is poised for the next steps in his professional baseball journey, ready to achieve the greatness he has always believed possible.
