This series will highlight a handful of prospects, team-by-team, heading into the 2021 season. I will offer a handful of Top Prospects, as well as a few “In The Pipeline” prospects for dynasty owners to keep an eye on in the next couple of seasons. With that, let’s jump right in!
Top Prospects
Zac Veen, OF
Hit: 25/50 | Power: 55/65 | Run: 60/55 | Field: 40/50 | Throw: 50/55
Standing at 6’4″, this 19-year-old already has the type of left-handed swing scouts dream on. He has displayed plus power to go along with a plus arm and is projected to be the Rockies’ everyday right-fielder of the future. Expect Veen to be pushed through the minors over the next few years, but here is a player that should be on everyone’s radar!
Ryan Rolison, P
Fastball: 55/55 | Curveball: 50/55 | Changeup: 50/55 | Command: 45/50
Rolison is a 23-year-old southpaw who will need to gain a little more command and cut-back on his BB% before getting a chance at the MLB level, but he has improved at each level in the minors thus far and should open the 2021 season in AA. Given the lack of depth within the Rockies organization, don’t be surprised to see Rolison called up to the majors for a cup of coffee mid-season, but expectations should be tempered as he’s yet to pitch above High-A.
Ryan Vilade, 3B/OF
Hit: 35/50 | Power: 55/60 | Run: 45/40 | Field: 45/50 | Throw: 55/55
Vilade is coming off a solid 2019 performance where he managed to decrease his K%, increase his BB% and improve his slash line to .303/.367/.466; he also hit 12 home runs and swiped 24 bags in High-A. While he has struggled defensively, and his final position may end up in the OF, his bat will force his way into the Rockies lineup sooner than later.
In The Pipeline
Drew Romo, C
Hit: 25/50 | Power: 25/45 | Run: 40/40 | Field: 50/60 | Throw: 50/60
Not since 2001, when the Twins selected Joe Mauer with the first overall pick, has a catcher materialized into an everyday catcher at the MLB level who put up consistent offensive value. The Rockies, of course, Romo bucks that trend. Romo is a switch-hitting, soft hand, high baseball IQ, potential gold glove catcher. If he can mature at the plate and improve his right-side approach, he may turn into a 15 home run, high OBP everyday catcher.
Warming Bernabel, 3B
The Rockies made Bernabel their highest-paid J2 signing in 2019. This 19-year-old Dominican-born SS is young and presents a solid hit tool. Through 55 games played in Rookie ball, he’s slashed a .250/.320/.387 with a 13.7% K% and a 7.5% BB%. Look to see how Bernabel develops as he moves onto higher levels and fills out his frame.
Adael Amador, 2B/SS
Hit: 20/45 | Power: 25/45 | Run: 60/60 | Field: 45/55 | Throw: 55/60
Amador is a switch-hitting 17-year-old who has shown flashes of power. While scouts expect him to grow into his medium-sized frame, they don’t expect too much power. His swing isn’t the most fluid, but for a teenager, that’s to be expected. Amador has an everyday middle infield ceiling.
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