Mac Lyons and Luke Wortman | @JMacLyons & @Luke_W31 | March 4, 2024

Spring Training is great for many reasons: it starts the baseball season, you get to see new and returning players for the first time, and some prospects get game experience with the club. In this article, we will primarily be talking about the latter. It is important to note that while this article will use stats in our evaluations, they should be taken with a grain of salt as the sample sizes are small and can vary for each player as there are many different talent levels at spring training. 

With just about two weeks of games under our belts, the club initiated a first wave of reassignments, showing we are getting closer to the final roster being whittled down to.

Below is a list of most of the organization’s top prospects who have appeared in game action for the club. The asterisks indicate players that received a sparing amount of playing time in the first phase of Spring Training.

Mac’s Way-Too-Early Spring Training Report

Among the prospects and the 26 non-roster invitees that played for the Rockies during Spring Training, there are a handful of names fans should recognize, and some that fans should start to remember. You’ll, without a doubt, recognize names like Adael Amador, Drew Romo, and Zac Veen along with the flair and power brought to the plate by Yanqiuel Fernandez, but various efforts in this year’s Spring Training have propelled the names of other potential future Rockies into conversation. The rosters of Fresno, Spokane, Hartford, and Albuquerque will be loaded with talent once the season begins, so who will start where, and more specifically, why may they be there?

Essentially, what’s being covered here is a look at the Rockies prospects—focused on their performances throughout Spring Training so far—and justifying which of the Rockies affiliates they will see time with this season. A majority of the Rockies top prospect list, which can be found here, are all in play at various levels this season, so this will be categorized by the prospect and what level(s) they might possibly find themselves playing at this year. Each will without a doubt see some sort of movement over the course of the season, so it’s important to note that the following predictions are a way-too-early prediction based upon the statistical output during their time at Spring Training, specifically through the first phase of the club’s time in Arizona.

Adael Amador (SS/2B) – AA 

2023 Stats: .287 AVG .380 OBP .495 SLG 12 HR 15 SB 12.1 BB% 11.5 K%
2024 Spring Training Stats: .214 AVG 0 HR 0 SB 17 PA 2 BB 4 SO | 93.0 Max EV 86.4 AVG EV

While the Rockies most highly touted prospect still has a way to go, it’s best to withhold judgment on Amador’s first consistent exposure to Spring Training. So far, Amador has a .214 BA over 17 PA, managing to knock in two runs on three total hits, amassing 2 BB and 4 SO along the way. Amador is young, way too young to critique what some would consider a subpar outing at Spring Training. With his previous Spring Training experience only yielding him a single at-bat, it’s be safe to say Amador’s performance this year saw him needing to settle in and settle down. He’s an incredibly intelligent ballplayer. A switch-hitter with the ability and patience to put the ball into play. The Rockies are taking the slow approach, and Hartford will be the place to help him do just that this season with an eventual promotion to Albuquerque on the horizon. 

Jordan Beck (OF) – AAA

2023 Season Stats: .271 AVG .364 OBP .503 SLG 25 HR 20 SB 12.9 BB% 25.2 K%
2024 Spring Training Stats: .467 AVG 0 HR 0 SB 16 PA 1 BB 6 SO | 104.1 Max EV 89.5 AVG EV

Talk about a hot start. Jordan Beck continues to rake throughout Spring Training. Currently, the reigning MVP of the High-A Northwest League is touting a BA of .467 in 16 PA. With his OBP sitting at .500 and SLG at .667, Beck is showing off the power that earned him a promotion to Double-A Hartford halfway through last season. He only has two XBH so far, but it’s a great improvement for someone who had one hit in seven at-bats during last year’s Spring Training. I’d look for him to spend plenty of time in an Isotopes jersey this year if Beck can keep up with the pace he’s playing at, especially given how many other outfielders are set for time at Hartford. 

Yanquiel Fernandez (OF) – AA ➡️ AAA

2023 Season Stats: .265 AVG .313 OBP .486 SLG 25 HR 1 SB 6.1 BB% 25.3 K%
2024 Spring Training Stats: .231 AVG 1 HR 0 SB 14 PA 1 BB 3 SO | 105.4 Max EV 90.7 AVG EV

Fernandez opened Spring Training by crushing a low curveball out to a lucky fan at Salt River Fields, sending the ball 419 feet into right field. The solo-shot gave fans a glimpse of Fernandez’s raw power, and the left-handed hitter certainly didn’t disappoint, even if he’s been fairly quiet since then with just three hits in 13 AB. While anyone would hope for him to match the five RBIs he hit across 11 AB during last year’s Spring Training, Yanquiel will be fun to keep an eye on this year, and I’m all but certain he’ll find his way to Albuquerque near season’s end after treating Yard Goat fans to numerous trots around the bases. 

Sterlin Thompson (UTIL) – AA ➡️ AAA

2023 Season Stats: .293 AVG .376 OBP .487 SLG 14 HR 17 SB 9.3 BB% 18.1 K%
2024 Spring Training Stats: .200 AVG 0 HR 0 SB 10 PA 0 BB 4 SO | 101.9 Max EV 79.1 AVG EV

The utility-man everyone needs. Thompson is the kind of player who hunts for his opportunities, and while rarely did he ever seem to let them miss during his time in Spokane and Hartford, he cashed in on the lone opportunity he has gotten. With just two hits in ten AB, the lefty still managed to knock in two runs and pile onto the beatdown against the Brewers. He made an impressive play to cut off what would’ve been an in-the-park home-run during his time in RF against the Reds. With three SO and one CS, it’s safe to say Thompson hasn’t showcased all he can do, even though his skill and IQ will surely show through at some point. He’s likely to reach Triple-A at some point, but Thompson more likely than not dons a Yard Goats jersey to start the year.

Drew Romo ( C ) – AAA ➡️ MLB

2023 Season Stats: .259 AVG .317 OBP .445 SLG 13 HR 6 SB 7.5 BB% 18.4 K%
2024 Spring Training Stats: .308 AVG 0 HR 0 SB 15 PA 2 BB 2 SO | 106.9 Max EV 91.1 AVG EV

Drew Romo seems to be using his time at Spring Training wisely. The switch-hitting catcher took the first pitch he saw in Cactus League play and knocked in a run. Romo earned a hustle double against the Dodgers when he scorched a line-drive to center field. Here’s the biggest factor so far: Romo looks like a big leaguer. At the plate, behind the plate, you name it. He adjusted his catching stance to a one-knee style over the offseason and has flashed his rocket of an arm behind the dish. We’re waiting for some big knocks from Romo but he’s looked comfortable and has produced steadily in his share of starts. We’ll have to see how the rest of Spring Training pans out. It wouldn’t be bold to say this is the year Romo makes his debut with the Rockies, he may just need to find that next gear offensively to usurp the Rockies current pair of veteran backstops.

Zac Veen (OF) – AA ➡️ AAA

2023 Season Stats: .209 AVG .304 OBP .308 SLG 2 HR 22 SB 11.4 BB% 21.4 K%
2024 Spring Training Stats: .250 AVG 0 HR 0 SB 12 PA 0 BB 2 SO | 99.4 Max EV 85.4 AVG EV

Time. As much as Zac Veen seems to be in a race against time when he’s on base, as a player, he needs time and patience as much as he, or fans, expecting more, may want otherwise. Besides his stint in the Puerto Rican Winter League, Spring Training has been the first time post-surgery that Veen has seen professional at-bats. So far, in 12 AB, Veen has three hits, going hitless in his first two games before finding success with a double in his lone at-bat against the Brewers, where he inevitably stole 3rd base, and adding a bunt which the speedster turned into a hit against the Royals. Keep in mind that last season Veen had 50 ABs over the course of Spring Training, and while I doubt he will reach that mark this time around, letting Veen return to form is what’s needed. The speed may need to be contained, at least to a certain extent as Veen currently sits with four SB with three CS. Nobody may be able to stop his speed, but right now, Veen needs to take a slow approach to find his game again and prioritize a balanced offensive approach. Veen will get to Triple-A this year, in all likelihood, but he’s yet to best the Eastern League where he’ll almost certainly start.

Julio Carrreras (SS) – AAA ➡️ MLB

2023 Season Stats: .238 AVG .325 OBP .340 SLG 6 HR 14 SB 10.3 BB% 22.7 K%
2024 Spring Training Stats: .222 AVG 1 HR 1 SB 20 PA 2 BB 4 SO | 82.1 Max EV* 61.0 AVG EV

Julio Carreras doesn’t find himself on the MLB.com Rockies top prospect list and this may make him a mystery to fans. His performance in the Cactus League was quiet, but that ended when he crushed a three-run-homer against the Cubs. He’s done a little bit of everything–good and bad–so far, having multi-hit games, multi-strike-out games, multi-walk games, and even adding a stolen base. So far, we’ve seen Carreras primarily at SS and with some time at 2B and 3B mixed in. His fielding at SS over the span of 23 innings and a grand total of three games started at the position yields him just five putouts and three assists, with a lone error coming against the Dodgers while playing 2B. What’s interesting, and perhaps a way of solving the Carreras mystery, is that the Rockies seem high on him, and there really isn’t a whole lot that one wouldn’t like. He’s already tied for second on the Rockies with 18 AB, but he’ll inevitably be seeing more plate appearances throughout Spring Training, so we’ll have to get out our microscopic lenses and dig through the stats until we come to a consensus where Julio will find himself this season, undoubtedly with the Isotopes, where the opportunity to appear for the Rockies at some point during the season becoming a reality based upon his performance so far in the Cactus League. 

Warming Bernabel (3B) – AA

2023 Season Stats: .236 AVG .282 OBP .367 SLG 8 HR 2 SB 4.5 BB% 20.7 K%
2024 Spring Training Stats: .429 AVG 0 HR 0 SB 7 PA 0 BB 0 SO | 104.1 Max EV 101.2 AVG EV

If global warming is causing drastic changes to our weather, then Warming Bernabel is a direct representation of the ups and downs a player can have. Bernabel hasn’t had the best Spring Training, but he also hasn’t seen much time at the plate to prove himself. He has three hits in seven AB, adding two RBI. He’s grounded into one double play, but surprisingly hasn’t earned a walk or even struck out for that matter. The Rockies have given Warming 14 innings at 3B, where he has one error to go along with his three assists. The Rockies No. 10 overall prospect has a ways to go, but his defense is already showing signs of improvement from 2023’s Spring Training. Now the question remains, will Warming start boiling at the plate?

Aaron Schunk (3B) – AAA

2023 Season Stats: .290 AVG .350 OBP .461 SLG 14 HR 12 SB 8.7 BB% 24.0 K%
2024 Spring Training Stats: .500 AVG 0 HR 2 SB 12 PA 0 BB 2 SO 105.1 Max EV

The way Schunk has been hitting as of late, it will inevitably be time for him to put on the purple pinstripes. While there is a logjam of talent throughout the infield, which definitely isn’t helping Schunk make his way onto the Rockies roster, the future of McMahon and Brendan Rodgers don’t seem completely certain and Schunk may earn some time with the Rockies this year if he can replicate his Spring Training performance. Schunk further supported his rising stock with impressive play in games against the Brewers and Reds. Currently, his BA rests at .500 in ten AB. He’s been HBP twice which helps his OPS climb to 1.183. Schunk is 26-years-old and spent the entire season in Albuquerque last year. As good as he has played, it’s difficult to see a reality where anything other than an injury-plagued year or veteran acquisition interfere with Aaron Schunk’s inevitable time with the Rockies this season.

Bladimir Restituyo (CF) – AA

2023 Season Stats: .258 AVG .277 OBP .414 SLG 15 HR 17 SB 1.8 BB% 18.9 K%
2024 Spring Training Stats: .167 AVG 0 HR 0 SB 6 PA 0 BB 1 SO | 86.5 Max EV

There isn’t a whole lot to expand upon here. Bladimir’s chances in Spring Training have been sparse, as much of the outfield from the Rockies through the Isotopes is all but decided. He isn’t a prospect that’s even registered on the Rockies Top 30, and while that could change once the Cactus League has ended, what has Restituyo done to earn notoriety or a promotion to AAA? Restituyo will need to have more meaningful appearances at the plate—currently, he has just one hit in six AB—to change the minds of the higher-ups in the Rockies organization. He can cover ground in center field and that may just be his ticket for Albuquerque.

Riley Pint (RHP) – AAA

2023 Season Stats: 6.12 ERA 57.1 IP 13.3 K/9 8.9 BB/9 
2024 Spring Training Stats: 0.00 ERA 4.0 IP 4 SO 2 BB | 97.1 Max Velo 2642 Max RPM-Slider

Pint has been with the Rockies since 2015 and in the nearly eight years since that signing, when he was a first-round talent, Pint has inched closer to putting all of his tools together. Across four games and four total innings, Riley Pint has given up just one hit. And although his sample size is small, what we’ve seen so far has been tremendous for Pint and the Rockies. His batting average against currently sits at .077 with four SO. Pint has had a long journey to get to where he is now and it seems as if those years of work are finally coming to fruition, even if he may start his season with the Isotopes. 

Jeff Criswell (RHP) – AAA ➡️ MLB

2023 Season Stats: 7.51 ERA 121 IP 10.0 K/9 5.3 BB/9
2024 Spring Training Stats: 6.75 ERA 4.0 IP 6 SO 3 BB | 96.4 Max Velo 2422 Max RPM-Fastball

Jeff Criswell has had his work cut out for him so far through Spring Training. Over the span of four IP, Criswell has 75 pitches total, surrendering 3 ER across 4 H. While the Rockies are most likely seeing what exactly Criswell has improved on since his 2023 season with the Isotopes, it seems to be more of the same inconsistencies. In his first outing against the D-backs, the righty faced eight batters, striking out three and walking two. Maybe because Criswell is a Michigan man, it comes as no surprise that he was thrown to the wolves against a stout Dodgers lineup in his next trip to the mound. Criswell did his best, striking out one batter and walking another before he faced perennial All-Stars Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, giving up an XBH to Betts and a single to Freeman with three ERs in total for Criswell that time around. Clearly, Criswell wouldn’t fare well against the Dodgers when the games matter, but would anyone? And is this a clear enough sign that he might not be ready for the next promotion? The underlying signs support a shot at the big leagues should Criswell keep the ball in the yard.

Carson Palmquist (LHP) – AA ➡️ AAA ➡️MLB ???

2023 Season Stats: 3.90 ERA 92.1 IP 13.1 K/9 3.6 BB/9
2024 Spring Training Stats: 0.00 ERA 3.0 IP 5 SO 1 BB | 92.6 Max Velo 2343 Max RPM-Sinker

Was Palmquist’s first-start dominance a surprise to anyone? A fellow lefty in the Rockies prospect pool, Palmquist relished in his first ever Spring Training start against the D-backs, striking out two of the first three batters he faced with a pair of nasty mid-70s sweepers that would make Justin Lawrence proud. In total, Palmquist fanned four batters and walked one out of the eight he faced. His pitch total ended with 40, where 24 of those were called strikes. Still, more repetition is needed. Palmquist faced five batters against the Angels, giving up one hit while serving up a three-pitch strikeout to Mike Trout. Unfortunately, Palmquist left the game with soreness in his non-throwing shoulder. Barring a significant injury, if Palmquist can replicate these kinds of performances, look for him to spend plenty of innings hurling for the Yard Goats, with a promotion to Albuquerque well within reach.   

Victor Vodnik (RHP) – AAA

2023 Season Stats: 3.35 ERA 53.2 IP 11.6 K/9 5.2 BB/9
2024 Spring Training Stats: 5.40 ERA 3.1 IP 2 SO 2 BB | 98.3 Max Velo 3036 Max RPM-Fastball

Double V has pulled a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde so far throughout Spring Training. Although the sample size is small, and while he is poised for some time between ABQ and COL this season, what Vodnik’s shown is more of what Rockies fans have come to know. Against Oakland, Vodnik faced three batters total and fanned one batter in the lone inning. Uneventful, but that’s usually how you want your pitching to be. As great as the first game was, Vodnik’s second appearance against the Royals did not pan out as well. Vodnik relieved Gavin Hollowell with two outs in the bottom of the fifth and quickly ended the inning. In the sixth inning, Vodnik was through two batters before giving up a solo-shot to center-field and proceeded to allow two more singles and one more earned run before escaping the inning. Vodnik threw one inning against the Reds, earning one SO and walking two batters. Spring Training is tough on pitchers especially, and Vodnik may need to find his footing and rhythm to cement his place in the bullpen before the season begins but the pure stuff is as advertised.

Joe Rock (LHP) – AA

2023 Season Stats: 4.66 ERA 92.2 IP 10.9 K/9 3.3 BB/9
2024 Spring Training Stats: 13.50 ERA 2.0 IP 1 SO 1 BB | 94.3 Max Velo 2480 Max RPM-Slider

Rock’s name basically assures that he’ll see time with the Rockies at some point, right? Well, maybe, the key words in the previous sentence is at some point. Joe Rock’s first outing in Spring Training didn’t go as planned. Against the D-backs, Rock threw 40 pitches over the span of two innings, where the lefty settled down as 24 of those 40 pitches were called strikes. Rock is long-limbed and his repertoire of pitches is admirable—fastball, slider, changeup—with his heat creeping towards the mid-90s. Rock needs to see more time on the mound before any decision can be made on where exactly he’ll end up this season. 

Jaden Hill (RHP) – AA ➡️ AAA

2023 Season Stats: 9.48 ERA 43.2 IP 11.7 K/9 5.2 BB/9
2024 Spring Training Stats: 3.00 ERA 3.0 IP 5 SO 2 BB | 99.7 Max Velo 2638 Max RPM-Slider

What a surprise Jaden Hill has been. In my opinion, his injury history may have steered a lot of eyes away from Hill and the raw power that he has, but he certainly found the spotlight again when he returned to the mound in his new role. The big right-hander brought his flamethrower to Spring Training and showed it off during his outings against the D-backs and Dodgers. Hill topped 99mph with his high fastball against the D-backs, getting back-to-back SOs in the same inning and did much of the same against the Dodgers where he fanned two more batters, utilizing his slider this time around. He has a total of 53 pitches thrown with 35 of those being strikes. Did I mention Hill has only given up one hit, which unfortunately was a HR at the end of an 11-pitch at-bat against the Mariners. He has five SO and two BB. I’ll stop the Jaden Hill praise here and encourage everyone to tune in next time he’s on the mound. Give Jaden Hill enough innings and he may just pay big dividends in the future for the Rockies. 

Grant Lavigne (1B) – AAA

2023 Season Stats: .227 AVG .350 OBP .398 SLG 17 HR 4 SB 14.4 BB% 26.6 K%
2024 Spring Training Stats: .333 AVG 0 HR 1 SB 2 BB 1 SO | 109.2 Max EV 96.3 AVG EV

The former 42nd overall pick in the 2018 draft is finally in a position to be knocking on the big league team’s door, and he’s been getting a good amount of at-bats this spring. Lavigne does a great job of scorching baseballs and already has a hit that was tracked 109.2 MPH off the bat this spring. He’s going to need to keep crushing the ball to have a consistent spot on the big league club due to being just a first baseman, but the tools are there and so far he has hit really well. The mammoth Lavigne has earned his shot at Triple-A where he might post some gaudy numbers.

Anthony Molina (RHP) – MLB

2023 Season Stats: 4.50 ERA 122 IP 7.5 K/9 2.8 BB/9
2024 Spring Training Stats: 3.86 ERA 4.2 IP 6 SO 0 BB

The Rockies’ Rule 5 pick from the Rays has pitched well so far this spring as he prepares for a big role this season. Molina’s fastball tops out at 97 and he pairs it with a good changeup. His command can be off and on but has been much better this Spring. Molina has been one of the better pitching performers for the Rockies this spring and if he can keep it up, his spot on the big league club will be guaranteed throughout the season.

Ryan Ritter (SS) – AA ➡️ AAA

2023 Season Stats: .281 AVG .383 OBP .519 SLG 24 HR 20 SB 11.8 BB% 29.0 K%
2024 Spring Training Stats: .200 AVG 0 HR 0 SB 6 PA 1 BB 3 SO

While Ritter was viewed as a glove-first guy coming out of college, he had a great offensive season in his first year of pro-ball and has received some plate appearances this spring. While still a great defender at short, Ritter can make an impact with his bat. Strikeouts are still definitely a concern as Ritter struck out in 3 of his 6 plate appearances this spring before being sent to minor league camp.league camp. If he can improve his swing plate discipline, a mid season promotion to Albuquerque or even Denver could be in the cards. 

This morning, the Rockies presented Ryan Ritter with the Doug Million Player of the Year Award and Michael Prosecky with the inaugural Rick Mathews Pitcher of the Year Award.

Congratulations to both players 👏 pic.twitter.com/cPdYTz2Y6Z

— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) March 3, 2024

Willie MacIver (C) – AAA

2023 Season Stats: .272 AVG .416 OBP .416 SLG 3 HR 16 SB 17.3 BB% 26.3 K%
2024 Spring Training Stats: .222 AVG 0 HR 2 SB 10 PA 0 BB 3 SO | 87.4 Max EV

Willie Mac spent almost his whole season at Triple-A last season, but he hasn’t received many plate appearances this spring as prospects Drew Romo and Braxton Fulford vie for playing time at the catcher position. The former 9th rounder out of the University of Washington has struggled in his 7 plate appearances this spring having a .143 average with an RBI and a stolen base. The catching situation will be complicated for the Rockies with MacIver and the aforementioned Romo and Fulford ending 2023 in Triple-A.

Braxton Fulford (C) – AA ➡️ AAA

2023 Season Stats: .270 AVG .377 OBP .463 SLG 10 HR 6 SB 10.9 BB% 23.7 K%
2024 Spring Training Stats: .000 AVG 0 HR 0 SB 6 PA 0 BB 3 SO 92.8 Max EV 89.6 Avg EV

Speaking of Fulford, the Texas Tech product started last season at High-A, but played good enough to finish his season in Triple-A. Primarily a defensive catcher, Fulford has some solid tools at the plate but struggled last year once he got to Double-A. Plate appearances have been hard to come by with the strong catcher depth at camp this spring, with Fulford only having played in 5 games and his overall offensive impact has been limited. He needs to develop more to contribute for the big league club this spring and it’s unclear where he begins the season with MacIver and Romo all but set to share the starts at catcher in Triple-A.

Juan Mejia (RHP) – AAA

2023 Season Stats: 5.06 ERA 58.2 IP 13.2 K/9 4.9 BB/9
2024 Spring Training Stats: 6.75 ERA 2.2 IP 2 SO 4 BB 96.3 Max Velo 2679 Max RPM

Mejia was added to the 40-man last offseason after reaching Double-A and having a super impressive Arizona Fall League performance. Walks have continued to be an issue for him this spring as he has walked 4 in 2.2 innings. However, his stuff has been really good, (96.3 max velo, 2679 Max RPM) , so the potential here is immense. I’d expect his first year on the 40-man to primarily a development year with an outside shot at making his MLB debut should the bullpen face an injury bug.

Angel Chivilli (RHP) – AA

2023 Season Stats: 5.61 ERA 61.0 IP 10.0 K/9 3.1 BB/9
2024 Spring Training Stats: 0.00 ERA 3.1 IP 1 SO 1 BB | 95.9 Max Velo 2369 Max RPM-Sinker

Chivilli has super good stuff albeit with some inconsistent command. The righty hasn’t given up a run in his 3.1 innings this season. If he can continue to pitch like he did last season, Albuquerque could be within reach but expect Chivilli to be a key piece of Hartford’s bullpen and most likely their closer.