In MLB.com’s initial rankings, the Colorado Rockies farm system ranked 18th out of 30 clubs. That is a significant drop from their 2024 midseason ranking of 12th. The initial 2025 ranking is more in line with the 2024 preseason ranking of 21st for Colorado. The Rockies have two prospects in the MLB Pipeline top 100; both ranked first and second, respectively, in the Rockies’ top 30. Right-hander Chase Dollander (1st, 25th) and outfielder Charlie Condon (2nd, 29th) both rank in the top 30 of Major League Baseball. While their farm system as a whole is ranked in the lower half of the MLB, there is some intriguing talent to keep an eye on in 2025.
Rockies Farm System Ranks 18th Overall
The Rockies have some high-end prospects projected to debut in 2025. Led by Dollander, five prospects in the Rockies’ top ten are on track to debut this season. There was buzz that Dollander could make the Rockies rotation out of spring training after a stellar first start. But back-to-back rough starts have quelled that. While Dollander has shown flashes of shutdown stuff this spring, the ninth pick of the 2023 draft will need some more time to develop in the minors.
Though the Rockies outfield is crowded heading into this season, Yanquiel Fernández (No. 6 in Rockies Top 30) will be one of the most anticipated debuts this year. Fernández saw a steep drop-off in 2024 when he moved up from Double-A Hartford to Triple-A Albuquerque. However, a strong spring training to this point has served as a reminder of Fernández’s talent. In 20 at-bats, he has hit .300/.364/.400 with two doubles and three RBI. While he has to work on limiting strikeouts when he gets to the big leagues, Fernández’s immense power potential is exciting to think about at Coors Field. With more time to develop in hitter-friendly Albuquerque, Fernández should be a likely candidate to be called up should a Rockies outfielder struggle or get hurt.
After seeing limited time late last season, second baseman Adael Amador (No. 7) should start as a quality backup behind Thairo Estrada to begin the season. With the signing of Estrada to a short-term deal, the Rockies are afforded the luxury of not rushing Amador. The 21-year-old will have plenty of time to develop while being an option as a pinch hitter and providing infield depth. The other prospect in the top 10 projected to debut in 2025 is one of the most highly anticipated prospects for the Rockies, Zac Veen (No. 8).
Zac Veen Time in 2025
Center fielder Brenton Doyle treated Colorado to stellar play as a true five-tool outfielder over the past two seasons. It is easy to see the same potential in Veen, who was drafted by Colorado ninth overall in the 2020 MLB draft. At 6’3″ and 190 lbs, he is an imposing presence in the batter’s box. He showed plenty of tools offensively to earn the top 10 status. With that status comes high expectations. There was hype that he could debut last season. But recurring thumb and back issues limited Veen to just 65 games.
In 25 at-bats over 13 games this spring, Veen has hit just .240/.321/.440 but has one home run and four stolen bases. Doyle and outfielder Nolan Jones both provide excellent defense while being threats on the bases. Veen fits that mold and the Rockies’ goal to get faster on the bases. Another encouraging sign is that Veen has shown no signs of injury this spring. Provided there are no setbacks and Veen continues to improve, the 23-year-old should debut sooner rather than later.
Seth Halvorsen and Bradley Blalock
Right-handers Halvorsen (No. 18) and Blalock (No. 25) have been excellent this spring. Though neither rank in the top 15 of the Rockies system, they have been stellar in Cactus League play. Halvorsen is in a battle with Victor Vodnik for the closer role. In five games, Halvorsen has recorded a 1.80 ERA with four strikeouts to two walks and one hold. The solid play is a continuation of a strong ending to 2024. In 12 games, Halvorsen went 2-1 with a stellar 1.46 ERA and 0.811 WHIP in 12 1/3 IP. He also had an excellent 13 strikeouts to just two walks, with two holds and two saves. As part of a Rockies bullpen plagued by walks, Halvorsen’s performance was refreshing to end the season.
A friendly reminder that the Rockies have THIS in the bullpen now.
101 mph heater with 15 inches of break. Bring the hype Seth Halvorsen
pic.twitter.com/epNvO3SObt
— DNVR Rockies (@DNVR_Rockies) February 27, 2025
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Vodnik has struggled this spring with a 6.75 ERA over four games. But he has more major league experience compared to Halvorsen. Vodnik was one of the few bright spots in 2024 during a disastrous campaign by the Rockies’ bullpen. Manager Bud Black has not announced a closer yet, and this will be one of the more intriguing roster competitions to keep an eye on heading into this season.
Blalock has been one of the best-starting pitchers for Colorado in his three starts this spring. For a team that is very light on starting pitching depth, Blalock’s performance has been encouraging. He has a 2.16 ERA, 1.560 WHIP, and a 9.7 K/9. The Rockies need more starting pitchers who can pound the zone and keep walks and homers to a minimum. Blalock has done that this spring and will have to continue that performance in the minors. But with right-handed pitchers Germán Márquez and Antonio Senzatela both coming back from serious injuries, Blalock has shown so far that he can step in if the need arises.
Kyle Karros’ Stellar Play
Karros (No. 21) is not projected to debut until 2026. However, this spring he has shown the potential to be the third baseman of the future. In 13 games, Karros has hit .348/.423/.435 with two doubles and five RBI over 23 at-bats. Karros had a stellar year at High-A Spokane in 2024, and the momentum gained this spring will do wonders for his development. Over 472 at-bats with Spokane, Karros hit .311/.390/.485 with an impressive 78 RBI and 15 home runs. He earned a minor league Gold Glove for his defensive efforts in 2024 as well. Karros has been praised by Black this spring for his maturity and leadership qualities. This spring has served as great exposure for Karros. With impressive play on both sides of the ball, the future is very bright for him as he continues his progression through the Rockies system.
Outlook for Rockies Farm System This Season
Despite the low ranking by MLB.com, the Rockies’ cupboard is by no means bare. Some intriguing prospects will debut this season. In the rankings, MLB.com mentioned that the consistent drafting in the top 10 helped the Rockies’ ranking. Dollander, Condon, Veen, and Gonzaga product Gabriel Hughes are all top 10 picks to keep an eye on this season.
MLB.com also mentioned international prospect outfielder Robert Calaz (No. 4) as a player to watch. In his limited time with Low-A Fresno in 2024, Calaz continued his otherworldly play after dominating the Arizona Complex League. At just age 19, Calaz is not projected to reach the majors until 2028 but is off to a roaring start. On the surface, it appears as though the Rockies’ farm system is weak. But through consistently high drafting, solid international finds, and quality returns in recent trades, Colorado has built a solid farm system. It will be intriguing to watch the continued development of the future of Rockies baseball this season.
Photo Credit: © Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
The post The Current Outlook for the Rockies Farm System appeared first on Last Word On Baseball.