Zach on the Attack

By Trevor Fitzpatrick

The baseball world is a small one.

Look no further than Canadian Futures Showcase athlete Zach Macdonald (Lacombe, Alta.) to prove that true.

In 2001, Jeff Macdonald (Lacombe, Alta.), Zach’s father, was drafted by the Colorado Rockies. He played collegiate ball with the Prairie Baseball Academy and had pitched for the Team Canada U18 National Team.

His son is now chasing that same dream by competing against the best that Canada has to offer in front of scouts.

“That’s been the goal since I was a little kid (to be drafted). I’m sure that’s every baseball player’s dream,” Zach said with a smile, “My dad’s been one of my biggest role models so it would be surreal to walk in his footsteps.”

The two-way threat is on the right path. He’s already competed in the 2024 edition of the Showcase and is hoping to leave an even bigger impression in 2025.

In terms of accolades, Macdonald’s 2024 season was one that high school players dream of – his Red Deer Braves earned a U18 National Title in 2024 for Alberta.

He was also named the Baseball Alberta Elite League Rookie of the Year that season after he hit to a mind-blowing .490 average and 1.221 OPS while playing first base.

On the other side of the ball, he pitches using a very unique delivery to fool batters. He got to show off that delivery at the Showcase on Wednesday. Think of Toronto Blue Jays prospect Trey Yesavage’s overhead motion, it’s very similar.

“I imagine I’m at the top of a mountain and I’m an avalanche, crashing down and giving all my energy toward the catcher,” Macdonald described, “Being aggressive is the main thing on the mound.”

The young prospect has since switched teams to play with Webber Academy as he approaches his college decision.

Run by Jeff Peach, the academy has sent five of their players to this year’s showcase. Both Macdonald’s pitching coach Chris Reitsma (Calgary, Alta.) and hitting coach Cole Armstrong (Surrey, BC) are coaching at this year’s showcase as well.

“They get the best out of all of our players for sure,” Macdonald said about his coaches, “Our development and character shaping has been a big thing, being able to play under them has been amazing so far.”

As he’s still uncommitted, Macdonald was asked if there’s anything new on the college front, but he’s keeping that under wraps until he makes a formal announcement.

“There’s been lots of talks for sure. Cole and Reitsma have their connections, hopefully soon we get the perfect landing spot for next year or the year after that. It’s in talks for sure.”