The past few seasons have not been too kind to Rockies’ fans. The team has endured several losing seasons in a row while struggling to produce major league talent from within. Their farm system currently has a few bats that appear to have significant offensive potential. Led by Adeal Amador, this next wave of Rockies hitters are hoping to bring winning back to Colorado. Their pitching development has struggled and several arms underwent Tommy John Surgery last year halting their development. The team is hoping for big things from 2023 first-round draft pick Chase Dollander to turn things around on the mound.
Head over the the Pitcher List dynasty page to check out the rest of the released top prospect lists!
Top Rockies Prospects
The Top Tier
1) Adael Amador – SS/2B, 20 YO
2023 MiLB Stats (CPX/A+/AA): .287 AVG | .380 OBP | .495 SLG | 12 HR | 15 SB | 11.5 K% | 12.1 BB%
The Rockies have been aggressive with their international signings over the past few years and Amador is another example of one that seems to be paying off. Amador continues to work his way through the minor leagues and will not turn 21 until after the start of the 2024 season. Despite his young age, Amador is one of the more polished hitters in the minors. His understanding of the strike zone and ability to make contact give him one of the safest floors of any minor league batter. The only concern to his hit tool is a high ground ball rate which the Rockies will need to adjust if he should reach his ceiling.
Amador’s ground ball rate is part of the reason why his power goes unnoticed. He has never posted eye-popping home run totals, but his home-run-to-fly-ball rates are above league average. He has added muscle to his frame and a small leg kick helps generate even more power to the pull side. There is sneaky 20-25 home run potential here if the ground ball issue can be solved. At worst, Amador is a .275/.280 hitter who can add 10-15 homers and 10-15 stolen bases with even more value in OBP leagues. If he reaches his ceiling, Amador could be a .290 with 25 and 15 type player. He ranks as the Rockies’ top prospect and could form a dynamic middle infield duo with Ezequiel Tovar.
2) Sterlin Thompson – 3B/OF, 22 YO
2023 Stats (A+/AA): .293 AVG | .376 OBP | .487 SLG | 14 HR | 17 SB | 18.2 K% | 9.3 BB%
The Rockies assigned Thompson to High-A to start the 2023 season, and he quickly proved he was ready for the challenge. Thompson quickly showed off an improved hit tool and lowered his strikeout rate significantly from his 2022 debut. Swinging from the left side, Thompson effectively uses his whole body to generate power in a controlled fashion. His swing is designed to drive balls into the gaps with an ability to use the whole field and hit plenty of line drives. The improvements to his contact skills transform this tool into a plus one and should pair nicely with Coors Field.
On top of a now-plus hit tool, Thompson comes with plenty of power projection. His 6’4″ frame provides plenty of raw power and has led to well-above-league-average home run rates.
SO LONG STERLIN! Sterlin Thompson puts the Yard Goats on top with his third home run in two nights 👊🏼👊🏼 pic.twitter.com/spyofapaiF
— Hartford Yard Goats (@GoYardGoats) August 19, 2023
There is 25-home-run potential here. Thompson’s fantasy value grows even higher thanks to his ability to steal bases. His speed profiles closer to average, but strong baseball instincts should allow him to steal 10-15 bases routinely. Thompson may not have any elite skills, but he does a lot of things really well. He profiles to be a useful fantasy asset with a strong chance to stick at third base. Thompson also slashed .338/.460/.475 in the AFL adding even more value heading into 2024.
3) Yanquiel Fernandez – 1B/OF, 21 YO
2023 Stats (A/A+/AA): .265 AVG | .313 OBP | .486 SLG | 25 HR | 1 SB | 25.3 K% | 6.1 BB%
All Fernandez has done since joining the Rockies organization in 2021 is hit. He hit in the DSL, he hit in Low-A, and this past season he dominated High-A before a promotion to Double-A. Listed at 6’2″, Fernandez somehow feels bigger than that. His violent, yet smooth left-handed swing is designed to drive balls out to right field. His raw power and swing combined with the park factors of Coors Field make him a threat for 35 home runs at the major league level.
The concerns with Fernandez started to show themselves once he reached Double-A. Fernandez knows he can hit moonshots and often swings out of his shoes on breaking pitches. He has had trouble making consistent contact struggling specifically with pitch recognition. Fernandez’s profile does not get any safer once you factor in the realistic chance he moves to first base or is stuck at DH due to his fielding limitations. The power is impressive and his nickname “Baby Yordan” creates a certain enigma around him that increases his dynasty value. Fantasy managers should proceed with caution though as he is a high-variance profile.
4) Zac Veen – OF, 22 YO
2023 Stats (AA): .209 AVG | .303 OBP | .308 SLG | 2 HR | 22 SB | 21.4 K% | 11.4 BB%
The ninth pick from the 2020 draft entered the Rockies organization with lofty expectations. Those expectations grew even higher when he hit .301 with 15 home runs and 36 stolen bases in his first season of professional baseball. Veen’s athleticism is on display every time he touches the field. He has plus-plus speed and significant raw power fueled by his 6’3″ frame. Injuries limited Veen to just 46 games last season, but he still managed to steal 22 bases. His 600 PA pace for stolen bases last year was 66. A 50+ steal threat playing his home games in Coors Field makes it easy to understand why fantasy managers have been patiently sticking by Veen despite his struggles.
Veen’s struggles have been primarily related to his hit tool. Veen deploys a patient approach at the plate with good strike zone recognition which allows him to work high walk rates. However, that patient approach also leads to deep counts and high strikeout rates. There is plenty of swing and miss in Veen’s game which has been his kryptonite early on. His whiff and strikeout rates did come down during the small sample of 2023 creating optimism over his future outlook. Veen is a high-variance fantasy asset with the potential to take off if he can hit more fly balls and strike out less. 2024 will mark a big year for his development.
5) Jordan Beck – OF, 22 YO
2023 Stats (A+/AA): .271 AVG | .364 OBP | .503 SLG | 25 HR | 20 SB | 25.2 K% | 12.9 BB%
Sticking with their theme of big-bodied and projectable outfielders, the Rockies selected Beck with the 38th overall pick back in 2022. Between Thompson, Veen, and Beck, Beck has seen his game power show up most consistently. Beck’s swing is designed to launch the ball in the air and out of the park. His quick hands allow him to catch up to high fastballs and helped him start pulling the ball more in 2023. There is 30+ home run potential here with the added benefit of potentially playing home games in Coors Field.
UPPER DECK BECK😜 JORDAN BECK HIT HIS 3RD HOME RUN IN THREE GAMES FOR THE GOATS pic.twitter.com/6IwbVl6xHE
— Hartford Yard Goats (@GoYardGoats) July 21, 2023
The concern with Beck has been his contact skills. He has seen his strikeout rate continue to rise as he has progressed through each level of the minor leagues. More advanced pitchers could continue to exploit some of the holes in his swing creating a certain level of risk. His batting stance is loud with a lot of movement in his hands which the Rockies could look to quiet as he continues developing. Beck is also a solid base stealer but is likely to settle into the 15-ish steal range long term. He profiles as a power-hitting outfielder with decent speed. .250 with 25 and 15 is a realistic projection
6) Cole Carrigg – C/OF, 21 YO
2023 Stats (CPX/A): .350 AVG | .408 OBP | .600 SLG | 5 HR | 13 SB | 20.9 K% | 8.2 BB%
Cole Carrigg might be the best 2023 draft pick that nobody is talking about. The Rockies selected Carrigg 65th overall out of San Diego State this past year. Carrigg wasted no time acclimating himself to professional baseball going two for four in his Complex League debut. He continued his success after a fast promotion to Low-A where he slashed .326/.376/.554. Carrigg stands at 6’3″ and still has plenty of room to add muscle. He stands tall at the plate before a leg kick connects the upper and lower halves of his body. He effectively drives the ball to the pull side with a smooth swing path. Listed as a switch hitter, Carrigg only took one at-bat as a righty last season and has looked more comfortable swinging from the left side. This could be a permanent switch moving forward.
Before joining the Rockies, Carrigg had not shown signs of being able to tap into his game power. After hitting just seven home runs in his collegiate career, Carrigg crushed five with the Rockies. He has the frame to continue adding power making many optimistic that this is just the beginning. He is also a plus runner on the base paths adding another layer of value. His fantasy value could take off even further thanks to his defensive versatility. Carrigg spent time at catcher, shortstop, and center field during his debut season. Catcher or outfield profile to be the most likely landing spots long term. If he can stick behind the plate, his fantasy value could take off. He is certainly a player to keep your eye out for in FYPDs.
7) Chase Dollander – SP, 22 YO
2023 Stats: DNP
Flashback to one year ago and Chase Dollander was the consensus top pitcher in the 2023 draft. Dollander’s arsenal is led by a four-seam fastball in the upper 90s with 16″ of IVB. He controls this pitch well and induces plenty of whiffs on it up in the zone. He mixes in three secondary offerings including a slider which many view as a plus pitch. Dollander struggled with consistency in his final season at Tennessee. He struck out at least 11 batters four separate times but also surrendered at least four earned runs in five of 17 starts. Overall, he finished with a 4.75 ERA and fell to Colorado at ninth overall in the draft.
From a stuff standpoint, Dollander already ranks with the elite pitching prospects in Minor League baseball. He already deploys two plus offerings and there is room for his curveball and changeup to continue developing. He is a true athlete on the mound and repeats his delivery well. The biggest issue has been consistent control. In his final season, Dollander surrendered 13 home runs in just 17 starts (a HR/9 of 1.4). Too often, he leaves pitches out over the middle and even college hitters had no trouble making him pay. The path to success does not get any easier having been drafted by Colorado. The last place you want a pitcher with a home run problem pitching is in Coors Field. Based on potential alone, Dollander ranks seventh on this list. However, the risk in his profile has grown considerably after being selected by the Rockies.
Prospects Dynasty Managers Should Know
8) Benny Montgomery – OF, 21 YO
2023 Stats (A+): .251 AVG | .336 OBP | .370 SLG | 10 HR | 18 SB | 27.2 K% | 10.5 BB%
The Rockies’ first-round pick from 2021 has shown flashes of brilliance as well as extended periods of struggle. His 6’4″ frame and plus speed create a high fantasy ceiling especially once you factor in the potential for him to play at Coors Field. The issues have been a high ground ball rate limiting his game power as well as a career strikeout rate above 26% which could continue to grow higher in the higher levels of the minor leagues.
9) Hunter Goodman – C/1B, 24 YO
2023 MiLB Stats (AA/AAA): .259 AVG| .338 OBP | .580 SLG | 34 HR | 0 SB | 24.6 K% | 9.6 BB%
2023 MLB Stats: .200 AVG | .247 OBP | .386 SLG | 1 HR | 1 SB | 31.2 K% | 6.5 BB%
After hitting 36 home runs in a breakout 2022 season, Goodman did not slow down at all in 2023. There is no denying Goodman’s power as he crushed minor league pitching throughout the 2023 season. He is unlikely to stick at catcher long-term and there is a significant risk that major league pitchers will be able to exploit his suspect hit tool. A low-average, power-hitting first baseman is likely Goodman’s future outlook.
10) Robert Calaz – OF, 18 YO
2023 Stats (DSL): .325 AVG | .423 OBP | .561 SLG | 7 HR | 6 SB | 22.8 K% | 11.6 BB%
The Rockies prioritized signing Calaz out of the Dominican Republic last January and he made them look good in his first professional sample. Calaz comes with plus power and speed which instantly creates a high ceiling for fantasy baseball. His hit tool produces plenty of line drives and he has shown the ability to use the whole field. A swinging strike rate of 31.1% in the DSL points to potential issues making contact which could be exploited against tougher competition and is why he falls to 10th on this list.
11) Drew Romo – C, 22 YO
2023 Stats (AA/AAA): .259 AVG | .317 OBP | .445 SLG | 13 HR | 6 SB | 18.4 K% | 7.5 BB%
Romo’s professional career got off to a fast start back in 2019 as he slashed .314/.345/.429 with six homers and 23 stolen bases in his first taste of professional action. His performance has been a bit of a roller coaster since, but there is no doubt that he profiles to be an outstanding catcher behind the plate. His power is right around average and his fringe-average speed adds another element of intrigue to his dynasty profile. His defense should carry him into a regular role at the major league level even if there is no game-changing offensive upside here.
12) Ryan Ritter – 2B/SS, 23 YO
2023 Stats (A/A+/AA): .281 AVG | .383 OBP | .519 SLG | 24 HR | 20 SB | 29.0 K% | 11.8 BB%
Ritter put together a strong first full season of professional ball after being drafted in the fourth round by the Rockies in 2022. His lightning-quick hands from the right side along with his projectile 6’2″ frame provide plenty of power potential which he has already put on full display. In addition to the power, Ritter is a plus runner and comes with gold-glove potential in the field. The issue is whether or not he can make enough contact to ever make it to the major leagues.
13) Sean Bouchard – OF, 27 YO
2023 MiLB Stats (CPX/A+/AAA): .243 AVG | .398 OBP | .378 SLG | 2 HR | 5 SB | 20.4 K% | 18.3 BB%
2023 MLB Stats: .316 AVG | .372 OBP | .684 SLG | 4 HR | 0 SB | 32.6 K% | 9.3 BB%
Bouchard has looked outstanding in two short stints with the major league club, but each stint has highlighted a major red flag. Bouchard swings and misses a ton and is likely to struggle in bigger sample sizes. Even still, he has flashed 20-25 home run potential at the major league level making him an intriguing dynasty flier.
14) Kyle Karros – 3B, 21 YO
2023 Stats (CPX/A): .285 AVG | .397 OBP | .331 SLG | 0 HR | 3 SB | 16.0 K% | 14.1 BB%
The son of a former major leaguer, Karros was selected by the Rockies in the fifth round of this past draft. He stands very tall at 6’5″, but moves considerably well for his size. Although his frame screams raw power, Karros utilizes a contact-first approach which he pairs with excellent plate discipline. There is a relatively safe floor already to his profile with the potential for his game power to continue developing.
15) Victor Juarez – SP, 20 YO
2023 Stats (A+): 91.2 IP | 6.38 ERA| 22.5 K% | 8.4 BB%
Juarez features a big breaking ball that has plus-plus potential but the rest of his arsenal has yet to fully develop. The strikeout rates have dropped considerably as he has progressed through the minor leagues and the thought of him pitching in Coors Field does his dynasty value no favors. He does not turn 21 until June but will miss most of 2024 after undergoing Tommy John Surgery last July.
The Next Five
Although these prospects do not crack the top 15, dynasty managers should keep their eye on these five players.
Jordy Vargas – 20 YO – A lanky starting pitcher with intriguing stuff who was forced to undergo TJ Surgery this past July.
Gabriel Hughes – 22 YO – The 10th overall pick from 2022, Hughes struggles to consistently locate his pitches and was forced to undergo TJ Surgery in July.
Bladimir Restituyo – 22 YO – Restituyo has flashed power and speed but an overly aggressive approach mixed with an inconsistent swing path creates far too much risk.
Sean Sullivan – 21 YO – A tall left-handed pitcher with plus control but mediocre velocity and underwhelming stuff.
Bairon Ledesma – 18 YO – Young middle infielder who has shown off plus plate discipline and solid speed in the DSL.
Feature image by Michael Packard (@CollectingPack on X)