Absolute Power

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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CAREER AWARDS AND ACCOLADES

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CAREER STATISTICS

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Derick Powell’s Journey: From Shrewsbury to Omaha, with MLB Dreams on Deck

When Derick Powell stepped onto the field at Charles Loridans Stadium in Omaha last week, it was the culmination of a journey that began nearly a decade earlier on a much smaller stage: the baseball fields of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. Now, after launching four home runs in three games at the College World Series and capping off a standout career at TCU, Powell is poised to take the next step—likely as a first- or second-round pick in the upcoming MLB Draft.

But before the scouts came calling, before the tape-measure homers, and long before the bright lights of Omaha, Powell was a tall, lanky freshman at St. John’s High School, trying to find his place on a veteran team with championship aspirations. He didn’t need long. That year, the Pioneers won the 1A state championship, and Powell quickly earned a reputation for his raw power and clutch performances.

As a sophomore and junior, he helped lead St. John’s back to the postseason, but the team fell short of another title—losing in the third round to St. Peter-Marian in 2018 and again in the second round to Algonquin Regional in 2019. Then came 2020.

That spring, Powell and a stacked group of upperclassmen were ready to make a run at redemption. Expectations were high, and with Powell entering his senior season as one of the top prep hitters in New England, St. John’s looked the part of a title contender. But when the COVID-19 pandemic canceled the entire season, it abruptly closed the book on his high school career.

Despite the setback, interest in Powell remained strong. After the shortened 2020 MLB Draft, the Seattle Mariners made a run at signing him as a free agent. Instead, Powell bet on himself and headed to Fort Worth.

At TCU, he delivered.

Over four seasons with the Horned Frogs, Powell became one of the most feared hitters in college baseball. His 23 career home runs and 103 RBIs came in big moments, and his consistency at the plate helped TCU reach the NCAA Tournament every year of his career. His final act—a scorching run through the opening round of the College World Series—was a microcosm of the player he’s become.

Powell blasted two home runs in TCU’s dominant opening win over Cal State Fullerton, then added solo shots in narrow losses to UCLA and Vanderbilt. Even as the Horned Frogs’ run came to a close, Powell’s stock only rose.

At 6-foot-4 and 235 pounds, Powell fits the mold of a classic slugger. His raw power is undeniable, and MLB teams have taken notice. While his defense at first base has drawn criticism—and some scouts project him as a future designated hitter—there’s no denying the upside. In a league that values power like never before, Powell has it in spades.

“He’s one of the best right-handed power bats in this draft,” one National League scout said. “You’re not drafting him for his glove. You’re drafting him because he can change a game with one swing.”

As the draft approaches, Powell finds himself projected anywhere from the late first to early second round. For a kid from Shrewsbury who missed out on his senior season, turned down a pro offer, and went on to star on college baseball’s biggest stage, that’s quite the journey.

And it’s only just beginning.

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Angels Select Power-Hitting First Baseman Derick Powell with 21st Overall Pick

The Los Angeles Angels added a big bat to their future lineup Monday night, selecting TCU first baseman Derick Powell with the 21st overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft.

Powell, a 6-foot-4, 235-pound slugger from Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, was one of the most dangerous power hitters in college baseball over the past four seasons. Known for his towering home runs and consistent production in the middle of TCU’s lineup, Powell hit 23 homers and drove in 103 runs during his collegiate career.

"Derick's power is real," said Angels scouting director Tim McIlvaine. "He’s a presence in the box, and he has a chance to impact games with his bat in a big way at the next level. We’re thrilled to bring him into the organization."

The pick comes just weeks after Powell put on a show in Omaha at the College World Series. He homered in all three of TCU’s games, including a two-homer performance in their opening win over Cal State Fullerton. Although the Horned Frogs were eliminated after back-to-back losses to UCLA and Vanderbilt, Powell's bat remained scorching hot and solidified his standing as a first-round talent.

A former standout at St. John’s High School in Shrewsbury, Powell’s journey to the draft took a detour early. His senior season in 2020 was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and although the Seattle Mariners expressed interest in signing him as a free agent following the shortened draft that year, Powell instead chose to attend TCU.

It proved to be a wise decision. Powell developed into one of the most feared hitters in the Big 12, helping the Horned Frogs reach the NCAA Tournament in each of his four seasons.

While scouts have raved about his power potential, Powell’s defensive limitations have raised questions about his long-term role. He’s played primarily first base but is viewed by many as a candidate for a designated hitter role in the pros.

"There’s no question the bat plays," one AL scout said. "You just need to figure out where to put him in the field—or whether you even need to. With the universal DH, a guy like Powell has even more value."

For the Angels, a franchise looking to retool and build around a new generation of talent, Powell offers a clear identity: power, presence, and production. If he continues to develop and refine his approach at the plate, Los Angeles may have found a middle-of-the-order cornerstone for years to come.

And for Powell, who once dreamed of reaching the big leagues while playing prep ball in Massachusetts, the moment was surreal.

"It’s everything I’ve worked for," Powell said in a post-draft interview. "I’m ready to get to work and make an impact."

[Agent]

He kinda looks like Buzz Lightyear. Looking forward to a djp The Show chise

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He kinda looks like Buzz Lightyear. Looking forward to a djp The Show chise

to infinity and beyond

[The JZA]

This all I wanna see from homie

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Powell Doubles in AA Debut, Battles Nerves in 14-Inning Loss to Lookouts



Chattanooga, TN — It was a long night and a tough debut for Derick Powell, but the Rocket City newcomer still managed to make his mark in his first Double-A appearance.

The 22-year-old power hitting first baseman went 1-for-7 in Rocket City’s 5-4 extra-innings loss to the Chattanooga Lookouts on Friday, April 4. The game stretched 14 innings before the Trash Pandas came up just short in a hard-fought battle on the road.

Powell, making his Double-A debut, admitted nerves played a role in his early struggles. But in the sixth inning, he delivered a solid left field double — his first hit at the level — and settled in from there. The hit came off Reds top prospect Chase Burns.

“There were definitely some nerves involved,” Powell said postgame. “It took me a little bit to get comfortable, but I felt more like myself as the game went on. I’m excited to be here and looking forward to tomorrow for a chance to improve.”

Despite the quiet night at the plate, Powell stayed positive and could be seen smiling throughout the majority of the game. With his first hit under his belt, the highly regarded prospect will look to build momentum as Rocket City continues its weekend series in Chattanooga.