Dodgers prospect Hope, who 'just plays ball', hammers 470 ft homer

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- If Dominique Wilkins was basketball's Human Highlight Film, Zyhir Hope is the Arizona Fall League's version.

In two games in the developmental league, Hope has provided two jaw-dropping plays.

In his AFL debut on Tuesday, the Dodgers' No. 11 prospect covered 76 feet in less than six seconds before crashing into the center-field wall to rob Romeo Sanabria (SD No. 23) of an extra-base hit, helping the Glendale Desert Dogs escape with a 15-13 win over the Peoria Javelinas. In a rematch on Thursday, he launched the longest home run in the Fall League this season.

Hope absolutely annihilated an 86-mph cutter from David Morgan (SD No. 29) in the second inning of the 13-6 Glendale victory, sending it over the batter's eye in center field. It traveled 470 feet with an exit velocity of 111 mph.

"I think that's the longest home run I've ever hit," Hope said. "I just knew it felt good. I thought it was a popup at first and it kept carrying. I'm having so much fun."

One of the more intriguing two-way players in the 2023 Draft, Hope lasted until the Cubs selected him in the 11th round because teams were uncertain whether they could lure the Virginia prep product away from a North Carolina commitment. The Dodgers had hoped to take Hope later in the 11th round, then landed him six months later in a trade that sent Michael Busch and Yency Almonte to Chicago.

Though the Cubs made Hope a full-time outfielder and the Dodgers have done the same, several clubs were interested in him as a left-handed pitcher who could reach the mid-90s with his fastball and flash a promising curveball. He said he has no problems with that decision.

"I love hitting," Hope said. "Pitching was fun in high school, but I love hitting. I love it. That's my true passion."

Hope has a sweet left-handed swing and hits the ball exceptionally hard for a teenager. In his first full pro season, he batted .287/.415/.490 with nine homers and eight steals in 54 games at Single-A despite missing three months with a stress fracture in a rib.

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One of the most talented athletes in the AFL, Hope offers plus raw power, double-plus speed and well-above-average arm strength. He's a potential 30/30 player who provides quality defense in center field.

When asked to identify the strongest part of his game, Hope deflected the question.

"I don't look at that stuff at all," Hope said. "I don't check stats or nothing. I just play ball. I just try to control what I can control and just play ball every single day. I love this game so much."