D-backs Enamored With Tommy Troy's Hit Tool and Makeup

Tommy Troy knew that the Diamondbacks were a possible destination in the 2023 MLB Draft and was hoping for that to happen. Growing up, he played in different tournaments and showcases in Arizona and attended D-backs games. Troy was happy to hear his name called as the 12th overall selection.

Troy's best tool as a player is his hit tool. Former Colorado Rockies general manager and current MLB Network analyst Dan O'Dowd cited some very impressive statistics about the D-backs first round pick. troy faced 48 fastballs that had a velocity of 95 MPH or greater and did not swing and miss at a single one of them. Against high fastballs, something he'll see more often in pro ball, he hit .508 with a 1.140 slugging percentage.

"I feel like that's a product of my approach. I like to be aggressive to the fastball, and adjust otherwise. I feel like I'm not really affected by high velocities very much. That's what makes me confident in the adjustment into pro ball, that I'll be able to handle velocity just fine."

Not only are the D-backs enamored with the hit tool, but also with his makeup. After meeting with Troy, both scouting director Ian Rebhan and assistant general manager Amiel Sawdaye felt he was their guy. He has really high goals for himself, to have a long career and to be a Hall of Famer. That type of drive to be the best version of himself is what separates great players from good players.

Troy's always looking to improve every facet in his game. After rarely walking his freshman and sophomore year at Stanford, he drew 35 walks in his junior year to push his on-base percentage up to .478.

"I studied the game a lot. I knew I needed to make some adjustments with my approach, and a couple mechanical things. It just boiled down to knowing where in the zone I do the most damage in. So being a little bit more selective going into the season allowed me to walk a little bit more and take advantage of pitches I know I can do damage on."

One of Troy's best attributes is his ability to excel under pressure. Playing for one of the best college baseball programs in the country, he had the opportunity to play in a lot of big games in the regular season and the NCAA tournament. In all three years he played, the Cardinal would advance to the College World Series.

"I've played at the biggest stage in college baseball and I've definitely performed. I love those playoff moments, I love playoff baseball. I feel like one of my strengths is that sort of pressure doesn't get to me. I excel with the more pressure I have."

With the combination of a strong hit tool and at least average game power in the future, Troy has the tools to be a regular big league infielder. The question will be what position he'll play long term. He played primarily third base with Stanford this year, but would like to test himself at shortstop.

"I personally enjoy shortstop the most. I definitely want to get the opportunity to prove myself there. I'm confident in my abilities enough to move anywhere else on the diamond if needed to move up the system as fast as I can and impact the big leagues as fast as possible."

The D-backs are hoping to get Troy signed and into pro ball as soon as possible to get him on a quick timeline to the big league club. There's a possibility that he could arrive during the team's current window of contention and provide some impact.