Torey Lovullo: Ryan Waldschmidt is a ‘very talented player,’ will determine his own future

Ryan Waldschmidt is one of the young Arizona Diamondbacks who have manager Torey Lovullo very excited for what’s to come.

The 2024 first-round pick got his second spring training underway with Arizona on Friday, and he’s one of the young players to watch for this spring.

“He was an incredible draft (pick) for us. He is coming. He’s emerging,” Lovullo told Arizona Sports’ Bickley & Marotta Thursday. “I don’t want to label anybody as a can’t miss, and everybody wants to know what’s going to happen with him, he’s going to determine what that timeline is.

“A very talented player. Controls the zone offensively. Runs the bases really well. Plays defense really well. He’s got a lot going for him.”

“He is coming. He’s emerging … he’s got a lot going for him.”

Torey Lovullo told @Bickley_Marotta that Diamondbacks top outfield prospect Ryan Waldschmidt is a “very talented player” and he’s going to determine his own timeline. pic.twitter.com/Nb5XZQt2Ic

— Arizona Sports (@AZSports) February 19, 2026

Waldschmidt went 0-for-3 Friday, and he hit .125 in 16 at-bats last spring. However, he did have a home run, double and three walks compared to four strikeouts.

The 22-year-old started his college career at Charleston Southern before transferring to Kentucky.

Waldschmidt hit .312 with a .976 OPS across his two years with the Wildcats. He hit 19 home runs, had 83 RBI and 42 stolen bases. He drew 76 walks compared to 87 strikeouts.

The Diamondbacks top outfield prospect worked his way up to Double-A Amarillo in his first two seasons. Lovullo said his focus and maturity are what will drive his career.

“He was part of the reason why I was late, actually,” Lovullo said as he joined Bickley & Marotta Thursday. “(Waldschmidt) was the one I was meeting with at 7:30 a.m. this morning and he was getting very conversational. Once again, coming into my office as a young guy, looking me square in my eyes. I’m not gonna stop that.

“I want to continue to get to know him and see what makes him tick and he was very comfortable.”

The former first-round pick has excelled in the minor leagues. Waldschmidt hit .273 with an .803 OPS in 14 Single-A games. He then played 68 games in High-A, hitting .268 with an .862 OPS before being promoted to Double-A Amarillo.

The young outfielder hit .309 with a .921 OPS in 66 games with the Sod Poodles in 2025.

With the Diamondbacks’ outfield injuries (Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Corbin Carroll), Waldschmidt is competing this spring for a spot on the Opening Day roster.

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