Darryl Collins signed as an international free agent with the Royals back in 2018. Collins is from Spijkenisse, Netherlands, and has been a solid prospect ever since he was a 16-year-old playing in the Dutch Major League. In 2018 for Neptunus, Collins slashed .418/.510/.532 despite being nine years younger than the league average. That strong performance put him on the international radar and he signed with Kansas City that same year. Unfortunately, an injury sidelined Collins for most of the 2023 season. Collins dove for a ball in the outfield last season and landed awkwardly, landing him on the Injured List for the rest of the season.
Season Stats:
2021 (A): .246/.367/.338, 13.6% BB%, 14.4% K%, 103 wRC+
2022 (A): .235/.365/.346, 17.1% BB%, 14.6% K%, 105 wRC+
2022 (A+): .269/.374/.355, 14.8% BB%, 22.6% K%, 109 wRC+
2023 (A+): .244/.322/.308, 10.3% BB%, 13.8% K%, 83 wRC+
If the injury last season made you forget about Collins, it might be time for you to revisit him ahead of the 2024 season. Assuming he can return healthy, Collins is still just 22 years old with a lot of upside remaining. The hit tool carries a lot of value for Collins, but with his age, there has always been some upside that the power will develop over time as well. Since he’s reached High-A, however, it simply hasn’t happened. Collins sits below a .100 ISO consistently but brings value with excellent on-base ability.
In each season, he’s walked at least ten percent and peaked as high as 17.1% in 2022 for the Fireflies. Alongside that excellent walk rate, Collins does a great job limiting strikeouts and makes steady contact. If he’s healthy to start 2024, expect Collins to debut back in Quad Cities once again with the potential to make his way to Double-A Northwest Arkansas by the end of the season.
Scouting Grades:
Hit: 40/55
Game Power: 30/40
Raw Power: 35/45
Speed: 50/50
Glove: 45/50
Arm: 45/50
Best Case Scenario
The injury to Collins was rather unfortunate, as he was starting to move through the system despite his youth. If he can get back to health this season, there’s still a chance that he could be ready for a major league debut by the end of 2025. The 50th percentile outcome here is probably a fourth outfielder with leadoff potential. Best case, Collins profiles as an above-average leadoff hitter who won’t provide much in terms of power, but could set the table nicely for a Major League lineup.
Worst Case Scenario
We’ve seen minor leaguers suffer long injuries as Collins did and simply never return the same. That much time off can impact mechanics and approach at the plate. If Collins can’t develop any additional power and loses anything with his hit tool, there isn’t any notable value to find here. Defensively, he’s average at best and players can’t get by on walks alone. Organizational depth is valuable, but not what you’re hoping for with prospects. That’s the floor for Collins.
