The 2021 MLB Draft will begin on July 11, 2021. We take a look at Dayton Dooney, a versatile infielder who has swung a hot bat in college.
Make sure to check out all of our other MLB Draft Profiles.
Dayton Dooney, Second Baseman, Central Arizona College
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 190 lbs.
Age: 21
Bats: Switch
Throws: Right
2019: 48G, .323/.417/.596, 52 H, 10 HR, 53 RBI, 28 BB, 39 K
2020: 13G, .146/.260/.317, 6 H, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 7 BB, 12 K
2021: 48G, .376/.452/.706, 64 H, 9 HR, 57 RBI, 25 BB, 31 K
Scouting Grades
Hit: 60
Power: 50
Run: 40
Field: 50
Throw: 45
Dooney is a talented infielder whose bat will stand out to most scouts this draft season. He’s also versatile in the field, having seen time at first, second, and third base. The 21-year-old spent 2019 and 2020 at the University of Arizona before transferring to Central Arizona College for the 2021 season.
Strengths
Hitting is Dooney’s top tool and it will get him drafted this year. He has a natural ability to put the bat on the ball and frequently posts tremendous numbers at the plate. The switch-hitter has a very compact and smooth approach from both sides of the dish, and the ability to produce as both a lefty and righty only adds to his value. No matter the speed or location of a pitch, Dooney will not waver. He can find the gaps, too, dropping baseballs where defenders aren’t. Further, the COVID sophomore has the potential to boast more pop as he gains strength. Regardless of how much stronger he gets, it’s easy to see that he will have more power than an average second baseman.
While Dooney has versatility at the plate thanks to his abilities as a switch-hitter, he’s also versatile in the field. Dooney has spent time at first, second, and third base, though the keystone is his natural home. Still, he has a solid glove and can fill in across the diamond.
Weaknesses
Range is one of the biggest restrictions when it comes to Dooney’s game. For as versatile as he has been at Central Arizona, he lacks the true range needed to become a top infield prospect. This is one factor towards why he’s not being ranked as a top infield prospect. The lack of range has even drawn some analysts to envision a permanent move to first base, though that seems a bit extreme at this point. Still, poor mobility is obviously a major concern with any position, but especially the middle infield.
This is likely related to his poor range, but Dooney does not possess much speed, either. He’s stolen just four bases through three collegiate seasons and won’t be a threat on the basepaths in the pros. Nobody is perfect, but if you’re taking a chance on an offense-oriented middle infielder, you’d like them to have an above-average running ability so that once they log a base knock, they can keep moving around the bases.
Pro Comparison: Marwin Gonzalez
This might be one of the more accurate comparisons out of the entire class of prospects this year. Frankly, the similarities between Gonzalez and Dooney are very obvious. Currently playing for the Red Sox, Gonzalez is a solid hitter who puts the bat on the ball and has the ability to log extra-base hits. He’s not a major power hitter, but he has succeeded in this department before (23 homers in 2017). He’s also not super speedy, stealing just five bases over the past four seasons.
As for the lack of range that Dooney possesses, the same can be said about Gonzalez—for the most part. Specifically, he doesn’t have range as much as he has versatility. Gonzalez has played shortstop and all three outfield positions this year, so he can cover some ground. However, in a fashion that mirrors Dooney, the majority of his playing time has come at first, second, and third.
Looking for icing on the cake? Gonzalez is just one inch taller, throws right-handed, and bats from both sides of the plate.
Draft Projection: Fifth-Round Pick
Dooney’s status as a small-schooler throws a wrench into his draft status, so this isn’t a perfect projection. Rather, it could be viewed as a ceiling as he likely won’t be drafted before the fifth round. With that said, teams have to love the 21-year-old’s hit tool, potential for power, and defensive versatility. Ultimately, if he’s available in the fifth or sixth rounds, any team would be wise to take a flier on the infielder.
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Main Image Credit: Central Arizona College
