Keon Broxton

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Arizona Diamondbacks #15 prospect in 2013
  Broxton is another product of the rich 2009 draft, signed by the Diamondbacks away from a Florida Atlantic football commitment so he could try to translate his athleticism on the baseball diamond. A slow start in high Class A last season had some scouts jumping off the bandwagon, but something clicked in the second half and he finished strong, batting .333/.361/544 with 11 homers. That surge landed him on Arizona's 40-man roster in November. The key for Broxton was playing off his strengths and becoming more aggressive in hitting the fastball, allowing his power to emerge. He already plays major league-quality defense in center field. His plus speed and good routes and jumps in the outfield make him a plus defender, and his arm is also a plus tool. Below-average pitch recognition and difficulties with the curveball continue to be his biggest weaknesses and will determine if he reaches the big leagues. He is a hard worker with good makeup and has consistently ranked as the most athletic player in the system, but he's still a long way from proving he can be a big league regular.
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  Ranked Arizona Diamondbacks #14 prospect in 2012
  Broxton turned down a football scholarship to play wide receiver at Florida Atlantic in order to play baseball at Santa Fe (Fla.) CC before the Diamondbacks picked him in the third round in 2009. He's extremely athletic and possesses the best set of tools in the system. He's still a long way from proving that he'll be able to hit quality pitching, though he did show improvement in the second half last year, when he batted .272/.373/.407 in high Class A. Broxton has above-average raw power and speed, but he doesn't make enough consistent contact to get the most out of them. He gets beat by offspeed pitches and struggles to control the strike zone. Broxton excels more on defense and could play center field in the big leagues right now. His speed allows him to chase down balls deep in the gaps, and he also gets good jumps and takes sound routes. His arm gives him yet another plus tool. Though the jury is still out on whether Broxton can turn his physical gifts into production at the plate, the sky's the limit if he eventually figures things out. He'll get his first taste of Double-A this year.
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  Ranked Arizona Diamondbacks #10 prospect in 2011
  Broxton had a football scholarship to play wide receiver at Florida Atlantic, but he decided to focus on baseball and attend Santa Fe (Fla.) CC after the Phillies drafted him in the 29th round out of high school in 2008. He went 26 rounds higher a year later, adding athleticism to a system sorely in need of toolsy up-the-middle talent. Broxton is a classic high-risk, high-reward player. For all his tools, he lacks baseball instincts and the ability to make consistent contact. He has a sound swing and a quick bat, but he struggles to recognize pitches and handle offspeed stuff. He's a free swinger who doesn't have much usable power, accumulating most of his extra-base hits with his above-average speed. Broxton has the raw ability to be a plus defender in center field, though he needs to upgrade his jumps and routes. He has arm strength but needs more accuracy on throws. Broxton has one of the highest ceilings in the system and a lot of adjustments to make to get there. The Diamondbacks will be patient with him, as he's still only 20 and may need close to a full season at every minor league level. He figures to advance to high Class A in 2011.
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  Ranked Arizona Diamondbacks #17 prospect in 2010
  Broxton originally signed a football scholarship to play wide receiver for Florida Atlantic, but decided to attend Sante Fe (Fla.) CC instead. After turning down the Phillies as a 29th-round pick in 2008, he returned for his sophomore season and starred as the Saints finished second at the Junior College World Series. The highest draft pick in Santa Fe history, he signed for $358,000 as a third-round pick. While Broxton still needs a lot of refinement, he's loaded with tools. He has a similar body type and similar tools to Chris Young, and Arizona hopes he develops into the Chris Young of 2007. Broxton has above-average raw power and speed. He has a quick bat that can handle most fastballs but he struggles with offspeed stuff. He has a maximum-effort approach and long swing that resulted in 93 strikeouts in 72 pro games. He's going to have to cut back on his stroke and avoid chasing pitches out of the zone. Broxton played shortstop in high school and has the ability to play all three outfield positions with his plus range and solid arm. He'll patrol center field this season in low Class A, where he'll have to show that he can make the necessary adjustments to hit.

• December, 2010 Scouting Report
  Background: Broxton had a football scholarship to play wide receiver at Florida Atlantic, but decided to focus on baseball and attend Santa Fe (Fla.) CC after the Phillies drafted him in the 29th round out of high school in 2008. He went 26 rounds higher a year later, adding athleticism to a system sorely in need of toolsy up-the-middle talent. Scouting Report: Broxton is a classic high-risk, high-reward player. For all his tools, he lacks baseball instincts and the ability to make consistent contact. He has a sound swing and a quick bat, but he struggles to recognize pitches and handle offspeed stuff. He's a free swinger who doesn't have much usable power, accumulating most of his extra-base hits with his above-average speed. Broxton has the raw ability to be a plus defender in center field, though he needs to upgrade his jumps and routes. He has arm strength but needs more accuracy on throws. The Future: Broxton has one of the highest ceilings in the system and a lot of adjustments to make to get there. The Diamondbacks will be patient with him, as he's still only 20 and may need close to a full season at every minor league level. He figures to advance to high Class A in 2011.