Prospect Primer: Nicky Delmonico

Nicky Delmonico, INF

A free agent signing prior to the 2015 season, 2016 Charlotte Knights infielder Nicky Delmonico has risen through the ranks and cemented himself as a legitimate prospect thanks to a powerful bat and a willingness to play at any position. The left-handed bat combined to hit .279 (112-402) with 30 doubles, 17 homers, and 61 RBIs over 110 total games last year.

A mid-season injury limited Delmonico's first Triple-A campaign, but the Tennessee native was able to bounce back; posting a .297 batting average and a .387 on-base percentage with four home runs and 13 RBIs.

The 24-year-old is currently in the midst of major league spring training, having already appeared in a team-high 20 games. Six of his 11 knocks have been extra-base hits (three doubles, one triple, two home runs).

Scouting Report: According to our friends at Future Sox: "Delmonico has shown a nice balance of patience and power at times as as pro, and there is some significant potential there. He puts on good shows in BP, has natural power and some loft in his swing. He'll draw some walks and does work long counts, but despite making mid-line contact rates he hadn't hit for a high average until his breakout 2016 campaign."

Did You Know? Delmonico's dad, Rod, was the University of Tennessee's head baseball coach from 1990-2007. He won 699 games with the Volunteers, and managed the Netherlands in the 2009 World Baseball Classic.

Fun Facts: Delmonico played on four state championship teams at powerhouse Farragut High School in Knoxville, Tennessee. He launched a walk-off home run in the2010 state championship game to close his junior season.