Florida Gulf Coast junior Evan Dempsey has quietly developed into one of the more intriguing two-way prospects in this year’s MLB draft, pairing consistent offensive production with a rapidly rising ceiling on the mound.
A projected early-round selection in July, Dempsey has built his profile on versatility and steady growth. While he has hit over .300 in each of his three collegiate seasons, his evolution as a right-handed starter has scouts particularly interested.
“I think it’s been going well. It’s a long season, trying to stay the same and be consistent every game. I think I’ve been doing a decent job of that so far,” Dempsey said.
That consistency shows up across the stat sheet. This season, the left-handed hitter is batting .366 with 17 doubles, six home runs, 31 RBIs and six stolen bases. He has also drawn 23 walks against 24 strikeouts in 187 plate appearances.
On the mound, Dempsey has taken a significant step forward. In his first season as a full-time starter, he owns a 3.41 ERA with 83 strikeouts and 16 walks — both career-bests — over 60 2/3 innings.
“I would say my biggest strength is throwing strikes and getting swing and miss in the zone,” Dempsey said. “We work a lot on being in the zone, but more specifically being in the right spots in the zone.”
His fastball now sits 92-94 mph and touches 95, featuring riding life that plays well at the top of the strike zone. He complements it with a high-spin curveball and slider, along with a developing changeup.
“Being more selective with two strikes and learning where my stuff plays in and out of the zone has helped,” he said. “To lefties, I’m more focused up in the zone early, then I can work off that later in counts.”
Balancing both roles at a high level has required time and adjustment.
“It’s a lot of routine,” Dempsey said. “It took me about two years, maybe halfway through last year, to really figure out a routine that allowed me to get my work in on both the hitting and pitching side.”
That routine has allowed him to thrive as a middle-of-the-order bat. Once viewed primarily as a pitcher, Dempsey has worked to elevate his offensive game to match his pitching ability.
“I think giving myself a chance to hit for three years has been a good thing,” he said. “I’ve been able to develop on both sides. My goal is to make somebody else make the choice for me. It’d be really cool if I didn’t have to make that decision myself.”
Dempsey’s path to this point was not defined by early recruiting attention. He committed to FGCU at 16 without other offers, drawn in part by the opportunity to remain a two-way player.
“That was a big reason I came here,” he said. “They gave me the opportunity to be a two-way player, and I thought it was the right fit.”
Physically, he has taken another step forward, adding 20 pounds since last season and now standing around 6-foot-2, 205 pounds. The added strength has translated into increased velocity and power.
His growth has also been mental, particularly in handling adversity within games.
“The biggest way I’ve grown is being able to put early at-bats behind me,” Dempsey said. “If I start 0-for-2, not letting that turn into an 0-for-4 or 0-for-5 day, and still finding a way to impact the game later. Those are the more important at-bats.”
As the draft approaches, Dempsey draws motivation from family and personal loss.
“My parents have put a lot into helping me get to where I am,” he said. “And my travel ball coach, who passed away when I was 16. I’ve been playing for him for a long time.”
With production, polish and projection, Dempsey has positioned himself as one of the more compelling two-way talents in this year’s class and one whose ultimate role at the next level may not be determined until a professional organization makes that decision.
Dan Zielinski III has covered the MLB draft for 11 years. He has interviewed 613 of the top draft prospects in that period, including four No. 1 overall picks. Multiple publications, including Baseball America, USA Today, MLB.com, The Arizona Republic and The Dallas Morning News, have quoted his work, while he has appeared on radio stations as an “MLB draft expert.” Follow him on Twitter @DanZielinski3.
