Prospects I Think Will Break Camp Part 1: Ryan Waldschmidt
As we approach the end of February, the Diamondbacks’ training camp has seen the full skillset of Ryan Waldschmidt on display. Drafted 31st overall in 2024, the outfielder has moved through the system with a pace reminiscent of the organization’s most polished prospects. Given his performance in 2025 and his recent impact in Cactus League play, Waldschmidt appears positioned to bypass Triple-A and potentially break camp with the big league club.
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College Career: Resilience and Performance
Waldschmidt’s collegiate journey began at Charleston Southern in 2022, where he immediately impressed by hitting .310/.485/.559 with nine home runs as a freshman. Seeking to test himself against higher-level competition, he transferred to the University of Kentucky for the 2023 season.
His tenure in the SEC was marked by both professional-grade production and resilience. After suffering a torn ACL during a 2023 summer league stint, he returned in 2024 to lead Kentucky to its first-ever College World Series appearance. In his final collegiate season, he slashed .333/.469/.610 over 59 games, recording 14 home runs and 25 stolen bases. This combination of power, speed, and a disciplined approach (41 walks vs. 45 strikeouts) solidified his status as a first-round talent.
MiLB Progression: 2024–2025
Since entering the Diamondbacks’ system, Waldschmidt has demonstrated that his collegiate success translates effectively to professional pitching. After a brief 14-game debut in Single-A Visalia in 2024, he spent the 2025 season split between High-A Hillsboro and Double-A Amarillo.
Across 134 games in 2025, Waldschmidt posted a combined line of .289/.419/.473 with 18 home runs and 29 stolen bases. His performance actually improved upon promotion to Double-A Amarillo, where he hit .309 with a .921 OPS in 66 games. His ability to maintain a walk rate of 15% while keeping his strikeout rate under 18% in the Texas League has convinced evaluators that his bat is nearly major-league ready.
Tools and Scouting Profile
Scouts currently grade Waldschmidt as a high-floor, high-ceiling prospect with a profile that impacts all five categories.
Hit/Discipline: His primary tool is an advanced understanding of the strike zone. He rarely chases out of the zone and possesses elite bat speed that allows him to wait on pitches.
Power: He generates significant raw power, with a “lift and pull” approach that translates to roughly 20–25 home run potential.
Speed: Clocked with “plus wheels,” he is an efficient basestealer who was successful on 29 of 39 attempts in 2025.
Defense: He has experience at all three outfield positions. While he has primarily played left field, his athleticism and a 1.000 fielding percentage in center field at Double-A suggest he can provide versatile coverage in Arizona.
2026 Spring Training Success
In the early weeks of the 2026 spring schedule, Waldschmidt has validated the “push” for a roster spot. As a non-roster invitee, he has consistently found ways to impact the game despite a small sample size of at-bats. Notably, he delivered a loud RBI double against the Angels on February 22 and has already notched a home run in Cactus League play. His .318 on-base percentage through mid-February reflects his signature patience, while his presence in center field suggests the Diamondbacks are testing his ability to handle a premium defensive role at the highest level.
2026 Statistical Projection
Should Waldschmidt break camp as a regular or a high-usage fourth outfielder, his plate discipline should mitigate the traditional “rookie slump” typically seen with younger players. He is projected to be a 15/15 or 20/20 threat in a full season.
Waldschmidt’s blend of SEC-tested discipline and modern power metrics makes him the most likely candidate to be the next homegrown star in the Diamondbacks’ outfield.
Bowman Market Analysis
The market for Waldschmidt’s 1st Bowman Base Auto in a PSA 10 has seen a steady climb as his MLB debut nears, currently trading in the $135–$150 range. Waldschmidt’s cards are benefiting from his status as the consensus #1 prospect in the Diamondbacks’ system. Recent sales data indicates a 5–8% uptick in value since the start of Spring Training, driven by his early Cactus League success. For investors, the current market reflects an “Opening Day” tax; however, should he break camp and maintain his projected .340+ OBP, his base autos are positioned to follow the upward trajectory seen by previous D-backs graduates like Corbin Carroll.
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2024 Bowman Draft Ryan Waldschmidt Snack Pack Sunflower Seeds /5 Auto Raw
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Great read on Ryan Waldschmidt 🔥