Blake Dunn Stats & Scouting Report

AB	18
AVG	.056
OBP	.15
SLG	.111
HR	0

Full name Blake William Dunn
Born 09/05/1998 in Holland, MI
Profile Ht.: 6'0" / Wt.: 210 / Bats: R / Throws: R
School Western Michigan
Drafted in the 15th round (450th overall) by the Cincinnati Reds in 2021 (signed for $125,000).

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

BA Grade: 50/High

Track Record: Dunn is one of the better all-around athletes in Michigan high school state history. He set state records in the 110- and 330-meter hurdles, scored the second-most points (824) in state history in football and set the school record with 51 points in a basketball game. But Dunn’s all-out approach leads to injuries. He missed his senior season in high school, then missed a month of his final season at Western Michigan and has played less than 50 games in his first two pro seasons. Finally healthy, he was the Reds’ most productive minor leaguer in 2023. He produced an extremely rare 20-50 season, and came just two home runs away from 30-50.

Scouting Report: Dunn’s all-out approach is somewhat reminiscent of how Ryan Freel played his way into an eight-year MLB career. Dunn has speed, power and a knack for getting on base that is both a strength and a concern. Dunn is a well-rounded player who has no glaring flaws. His swing means he’s a dartboard for pitchers who like to pitch up and in, as his approach means he ends up close-to-the-plate. His 32 hit-by-pitches were second most in the minors, and he had a knack for immediately stealing second after he’s been plunked. Dunn’s breakthrough was a surprise, but he has an easy, powerful swing.

The Future: Unlike most sleeper late-round finds, Dunn is a premium athlete. At this point, he’s already played his way from being an org player to someone who could one day help a big league club. If he can show in 2024 that his offensive improvement is sustainable, he could be a regular who can play all three outfield spots and fit in nicely with the Reds’ collection of athletic, grinding outfielders.

Scouting Grades Hit: 50 | Power: 50 | Run: 50 | Field: 60 | Arm: 40

Draft Prospects

Dunn’s package of tools is among the best in the Upper Midwest area of the country. A plus-plus runner with huge arm strength and raw power, it’s easy to fall in love with the many ways that Dunn can impact the game. A multi-sport athlete coming out of high school, Dunn has electric athleticism, and that combined with his running ability makes him a no-doubt center fielder at the next level where he can track down baseballs deep in the gaps and also throw runners out with his potential 70-grade arm. On top of his defensive ability, Dunn is a dynamic baserunner, with 47 stolen bases over his three-year career with Western Michigan in 59 attempts—good for a 79.7 percent success rate. His 30 stolen bases in 2019 were good for the second-best single season mark in program history. While Dunn’s physical tools are obvious, his hitting ability is what prevents him from being ranked higher. He could have used a strong 2020 season to answer questions about the quality of his bat, as Dunn hit just .229/.338/.298 with a 25 percent strikeout rate in the Cape Cod League last summer. His numbers with Western Michigan in the Mid-American Conference are significantly better—he’s a career .335/.420/.457 hitter with the Broncos—but scouts are worried he might be a below-average hitter. If he has even a fringe-average hit tool, Dunn could offer a team plenty of value with his defense, running ability and power potential, but without a full 2020 season to gauge the quality of his bat, Dunn’s draft status is a bit less clear. His upside remains exciting.

Career Transactions

Cincinnati Reds optioned OF Blake Dunn to Louisville Bats.
Cincinnati Reds recalled OF Blake Dunn from Louisville Bats.
Louisville Bats placed OF Blake Dunn on the 7-day injured list. Left face laceration.
Cincinnati Reds optioned OF Blake Dunn to Louisville Bats.
Cincinnati Reds selected the contract of OF Blake Dunn from Louisville Bats.
OF Blake Dunn assigned to Louisville Bats from Chattanooga Lookouts.
OF Blake Dunn assigned to Chattanooga Lookouts from Dayton Dragons.
Chattanooga Lookouts activated OF Blake Dunn.
OF Blake Dunn assigned to Chattanooga Lookouts from Dayton Dragons.
OF Blake Dunn assigned to Dayton Dragons from Daytona Tortugas.
OF Blake Dunn and assigned to Cincinnati Reds.