The 2021 MLB Draft will begin on July 11, 2021. Today we look at Dominic Keegan, the first baseman of the College World Series runner-up Vanderbilt. Keegan had a breakout season in 2021 which has helped him rise up draft boards.
Make sure to check out all of our other MLB Draft Profiles.
Dominic Keegan, 1B, Vanderbilt
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 210 lbs.
Age: 20
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
2019: 15 G, .227/.320/.273, 0 HR, 1 RBI, 3 R, 7/2 K/BB
2020: 9 G, .242/.324/.303, 0 HR, 4 RBI, 3 R, 10/2 K/BB
2021: 58 G, .354/.432/.655, 15 HR, 57 RBI, 56 R, 70/28 K/BB
Scouting Grades
Hit: 50
Power: 50
Run: 40
Field: 55
Throw: 50
Overall: 50
Keegan started out as the reserve catcher on the Vanderbilt 2019 championship team as a freshman. He had the chance to take over behind the plate for the Commodores last season before he underwent offseason surgery to remove a rib. The now primary first baseman didn’t fully recover in the short 2020 season and was never able to show his true abilities. He only had 55 at-bats during his first two years, but then led the Futures Collegiate League with 19 extra-base hits in 32 games in the summer and opened 2021 by batting .500 with four homers in his first 10 games.
Strengths
Keegan has plenty of raw power that he tapped into in 2021. He has a seemingly effortless stroke from the right side and can really barrel up the baseball. His power is where he will make his money, as he has a legitimate shot to hit 30+ bombs a year. The defense Keegan possesses is average but good enough to stick at first and he has the arm strength to potentially get a look in a corner outfield spot.
Keegan was key to Vanderbilt’s College World Series run as he won SEC Tournament MVP and Nashville Regional Most Outstanding Player.
Weaknesses
Like a lot of big power bats these days, Keegan tends to struggle with offspeed pitches, while he can catch up to high velocity. His swing will get very long on breaking pitches as he gets fooled. He has below-average speed which is common for a lot of power guys. He will need to learn how to be more consistent at the plate and swing at hitter’s pitchers to fully tap into his potential.
Pro Comparison: Max Muncy
Not only do they have virtually the same build – Muncy stands at 6’0, 215 lbs – but they also have a similar swing path along with a lot of power. Muncy took a little while to develop into the All-Star caliber player he is today for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He actually really wasn’t a power hitter in college, which Keegan is, but developed more as he went. Keegan has the power potential but just needs to work on what Muncy’s strength was in college – which was controlling the strike zone and making contact. Another guy Keegan can be compared to is Joey Gallo, who has really broken out into an outstanding power hitter and hit for an acceptable average.
Draft Projection: Round 3-4
Keegan is a great example of the modern-day hitter. Teams are always looking for guys who have a lot of power potential these days and will take the swing-and-misses along with them. He won’t go early since he doesn’t have the overall potential of some of the top prospects, but someone will take their chance on him in round three or four.
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Main Image Credit: Embed from Getty Images
