Senior Director, Amateur Scouting
Deric Ladnier enters his second season with the Astros as the Senior Director of Amateur Scouting. Prior to joining the Astros, he spent nine seasons with the D-backs and has 36 years of experience in scouting and player development.
With the D-backs, Ladnier oversaw all aspects of amateur scouting and talent evaluation for the annual MLB Draft. In June 2015, he and his staff used the No. 1 overall pick to select infielder Dansby Swanson. Under his direction, the D-backs drafted the 2023 NL Rookie of the Year, Corbin Carroll in the first round of the 2019 draft and top-five prospect Jordan Lawlar as the sixth overall pick 2021. Other notable draftees include Dalton Varsho, Brandon Pfaadt, Alec Thomas, Tommy Henry, Kevin Ginkel, Ryne Nelson and Drey Jamison. During his time with the D-backs, the organization went from a last place club with the worst farm system in baseball to a top three system and the 2023 National League pennant.
Ladnier spent seven seasons with the Nationals as a national crosschecker and special assistant to the general manager from 2008-14. The Nationals were NL East division champs in 2012, ¡®14 and finished second in 2013.
He also spent seasons with the Royals (2000-08) as senior director of scouting. Notable draftees include 2009 AL Cy Young Award winner and former Astro Zack Greinke; members of the Royals¡¯ 2014-15 World Series teams, including current D-backs Jarrod Dyson and Greg Holland, as well as Alex Gordon, Eric Hosmer, Billy Butler, Mike Moustakas, Luke Hochevar (2006¡¯s No. 1 overall pick) and Danny Duffy; and Mike Montgomery.
Ladnier worked for the Braves from 1991-2000 as area supervisor, Director of Minor League Operations, Regional Supervisor and Assistant Director of Scouting and Player Development. During his 10 seasons, the organization was recognized as having a Top-6 Minor League system by Baseball America.
As a player, Ladnier was the Royals¡¯ eighth-round pick in the 1985 draft out of University of Mississippi.
Deric and his wife, Misty, reside in Gulf Breeze, Fla. They have six daughters: Kalen, Megan, Ashley, Laken, Brooklyn and Saylor.