Isaac Stevens | January 7, 2025
Since the start of the MLB offseason, the Rockies have made 16 Minor League transactions, including MiLB signings and the MiLB portion of the Rule 5 Draft. Let’s whiparound and cover each player in depth, discussing what they bring to the organization going forward.
Each player will be placed in one of these three sections:
Major League Hopefuls: These players have a realistic chance of making the MLB roster in 2025. Either it’s because of their experience in the majors, or because of intriguing perks each player possesses. We can expect to see each one of these players dress in purple pinstripes for the Rockies next season.
Minor League Depth: These players will likely stay in MiLB all season. While each player has attributes that can make them a potential major leaguer, they still need considerable time to develop to get to that point.
Development Pieces: These players are either new to professional baseball, or are still in the lower levels. Their development plan will still be for years to come, so they won’t have an imminent shot at making MLB until a couple of seasons from now.
The Players
Major League Hopefuls
LHP Jack O’Loughlin
Being the 38th Australian in MLB history, Jack O’Loughlin has had an interesting path through baseball. He was signed by the Detroit Tigers in 2016, but he started his professional career playing for the Adelaide Bite (now the Adelaide Giants) of the Australian Baseball League in the 2016-2017 season. He was the youngest pitcher in the league, being just 16 years old (10 years younger than league average).
A notable accomplishment for O’Loughlin was pitching against Ronald Acuña Jr. just a season before he won National League Rookie of the Year in 2018 (Acuña went 0-2 against O’Loughlin). After two seasons with Adelaide, he made his Minor League debut in 2018 and quickly impressed with a 4.53 ERA in Low-A.
From there, O’Loughlin stayed in the Tigers organization throwing quality innings until 2023, where he became a free agent and signed with the (then) Oakland Athletics. After having success in their organization, O’Loughlin got the MLB call-up and compiled a 4.66 ERA in 9.2 IP. After electing free agency once again, he signed with the Colorado Rockies and looks to make it to MLB once again.
In O’Loughlin’s small major league stint with the Athletics in 2024, he flashed potential of being a high whiff pitcher. As a pitcher that throws slower (his fastball averages 91.8 MPH), he has to utilize other ways to rack up swings and misses outside of pitch velocity. For O’Loughlin, he throws a sweeping 76 MPH curveball that stays in the zone and drops off late. A testament of that being 12.5 inches of vertical drop, and 10.8 inches of break, both being above average in terms of curveball movement.
O’Loughlin also offers a gyro slider (a pitch thrown hard with little horizontal break) that shouldn’t be affected by Coors Field’s altitude since they don’t move like traditional high spin off speeds (Magnus Effect – what creates movement on pitches). O’Loughlin will likely start in Triple-A, but he will be one of the first guys to be recalled if the Rockies need a fresh arm at any point throughout the season.
2024 MiLB Stats: 73.0 IP, 6.04 ERA, 1.78 WHIP, 4.19 BB/9, 9.86 SO/9, 6.11 FIP
2024 MLB Stats: 9.2 IP, 4.66 ERA, 1.86 WHIP, 4.66 BB/9, 5.59 SO/9, 4.82 FIP
LHP Jefry Yan
Jefry Yan began his professional career with the Los Angeles Angels organization in 2013. He spent two seasons with their Dominican League team, though he struggled with command and striking batters out. In 2016, he had Tommy John Surgery, which sat him out for the rest of the season. In 2017 he made one appearance with the Arizona League Angels before being released.
From there, Yan spent 3 seasons outside of professional baseball before being discovered by a Marlins scout while pitching in a men’s league game in Arizona. After being impressed with what they saw, the Marlins signed him and he shined in their organization, progressing quickly. Most notably striking out 102 batters in just 57 IP in 2023 (16.1 SO/9).
Yan spent 2024 in Japan, accumulating a 3.84 ERA for the Saitama Seibu Lions. After more success in the Dominican Winter League, Yan signed a minor league contract with the Colorado Rockies this offseason.
Of every minor league pitcher the Rockies acquired so far this offseason, Jefry Yan is the most major league ready. For the Estrellas Orientales of the Dominican Winter League, Yan has thrown 5 different pitch types, 3 of which would be considered above average at the MLB level. His 4-seam, slider, and cutter all project for great value, and coming out of the bullpen with that variety will help get him outs. A pitch that compliments the other three, is Yan’s low spin changeup (1,799 RPM) that batters chase 58.3% of the time, and whiff at 72.7%.
It shouldn’t go without mentioning the presence Yan has on the mound. After any exciting strikeout, Yan will let you know it based on his reactions. Yan jumps around, throws his arms around, and lets it be known that he won that at bat. The Rockies have been missing this kind of dog-mentality for a long time, and when he gets the call to MLB, every Rockies fan should be excited.
2024-2025 Winter League Stats: 21.0 IP, 1.71 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, 5.1 BB/9, 11.1 SO/9
RHP Diego Castillo
The Rays signed Diego Castillo out of the Dominican Republic in 2014. He quickly progressed through their minor league system, making his major league debut in 2018. He became a quick contributor to the Rays bullpen, posting a 3.18 ERA in his rookie season. Castillo continued to see success with the Rays until 2021, where he was traded to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for RHP J.T. Chargois and 3B Austin Shenton.
Upon being traded to Seattle, his mechanics were altered; making him start throwing from a lower arm slot. That began to worsen Castillo’s control, and after starting 2023 with a 6.23 ERA, the Mariners designated him for assignment. Castillo cleared waivers, and spent the rest of 2023 struggling in the minors.
He elected free agency at the end of season, and signed with the Texas Rangers. But after struggling with them in Spring Training, he was released–however the Minnesota Twins were quick to sign him. He spent all of 2024 in Minnesota’s organization between MiLB and MLB, notably posting a 2.70 ERA in 10 major league innings pitched.
Diego Castillo takes home the cake for the most qualified pitcher the Rockies have signed this offseason. His sinker/slider combination helped him amass 35 saves in MLB since 2018. Even though Castillo’s numbers have regressed rather significantly, there are intriguing signs that indicate towards a career resurgence.
In 2023, his average fastball velocity was 93.5 MPH, the lowest of his career. Only a year later, he was throwing the fastest since his velocity started to decrease back in 2021. His fastball averaged 95.9 MPH, and his sinker 95.2 MPH. To pair with his increase in fastball velocity, Castillo’s mechanics mirror those of his 2020 campaign (in which he had a 1.66 ERA). While Castillo’s control is still lacking, the Rockies are hoping his previous mechanics will help him find precision again. Read more about Castillo here.
2024 MiLB Stats: 37.0 IP, 5.59 ERA, 1.76 WHIP, 6.08 BB/9, 10.22 SO/9, 4.81 FIP
2024 MLB Stats: 10.0 IP, 2.70 ERA, 1.60 WHIP, 7.20 BB/9, 5.40 SO/9, 4.37 FIP
RHP Tyler Burch
Tyler Burch went undrafted after 4 seasons pitching collegiately at Lewis-Clark State College, while owning a 3.93 ERA across 201.1 IP. He then signed with the Philadelphia Phillies, and in his first season of pro baseball, Burch had a 1.51 ERA across 35.2 IP in Rookie Ball and Single-A. With there being no Minor League Baseball in 2020, Burch didn’t pitch again until 2021, and that’s when he broke out as a prospect.
Burch climbed all the way to High-A, where he put up a 2.45 ERA with an elite 14.73 SO/9 and 1.64 BB/9. That was good enough for the Baltimore Orioles to acquire him in exchange for MLB Veteran, SS Freddy Galvis. Burch continued to contend for an MLB role in the Orioles organization until 2024 where he had arthroscopic surgery to remove bone chips from his right elbow. Then when Burch was available in the Rule-5 Draft, the Rockies were quick to select him with the second overall pick in the minor league portion.
Despite playing in only 8 games in 2024, and never making it past Double-A, Tyler Burch has a realistic opportunity to be called up to the majors. When assigned to the Arizona Fall League last October, he exhibited a fastball routinely in the upper-90s, and a breaking ball that spins hard on the horizontal axis, giving it sweeper movement.
Along with two pitches that fit the profile of a major league caliber reliever, his simple delivery has led to consistent results. The Rockies don’t need to make any significant adjustments for Burch to be MLB ready, there are just a few fine tunes (locating pitches in the efficient part of the zone) away from him contributing on the big stage. Burch will likely start the season in either Double-A or Triple-A, but with expected results, it will only be a countdown before he gets the call. Read more about Burch here.
2024 MiLB Stats: 9.1 IP, 4.82 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, 0.96 BB/9, 8.68 SO/9, 1.92 FIP
2024 AZFL Stats: 4.0 IP, 2.25 ERA, 0.75 WHIP, 2.3 BB/9, 6.8 SO/9
C Austin Nola
In the 2008 Major League Draft, the Colorado Rockies selected then shortstop, Austin Nola, out of high school in the 48th round. Instead, he opted to play collegiate baseball for Louisiana State University, where he was the starting shortstop in their 2009 College World Series Championship (former Rockie, DJ LeMahieu was the starting second 2B in that series).
He was also drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 31st round of the 2011 MLB Draft, but opted to finish his college career. Finally, after his senior year he was drafted in the 5th round by the Miami Marlins in the 2012 MLB Draft. He stayed playing shortstop with the Marlins organization until 2017 where he decided to grow his defensive versatility and learned how to play catcher. It helped him get added to the 40-man roster for Miami, but he was never called up to MLB.
Nola then signed a minor league contract with the Seattle Mariners, the team that he would eventually make his MLB debut with. In his rookie season in 2019, Nola had a .269 AVG and slugged 10 home runs as a Mariners utility player. In 2020, Nola was involved in a big trade with the San Diego Padres along with right-handed pitchers Dan Atavilla and Austin Adams in exchange for C Luis Torrens, 1B Ty France, OF Taylor Trammell, and RHP Andrés Muñoz.
Upon joining the Padres organization, Nola suffered injury after injury and it eventually took a toll on his playing ability. In his last season with the Padres, Nola posted a wRC+ of 37 (Weighted Runs Created Plus – adjusted to 100, so a 37 wRC+ is 63% below league average) in 52 games. He spent all of 2024 in the Royals organization and underperformed there as well.
Austin Nola is an outcast compared to the other 4 players on this list, not because he’s the only position player, but because he statistically does not have much to show for in his more recent pro stints. In 55 Triple-A games in 2024, Nola slashed .176/.259/.297 with just a 46 wRC+, while simultaneously continuing to decline behind the plate.
It’s worth noting that out of every position, being able to hit as a catcher is the least important–catchers all time have a wRC+ of 87 (13% lower than league average). We have seen Rockies catchers in recent memory such as Drew Butera and Austin Wynns who have had poor offensive stats, but were still given an opportunity because of their ability to benefit a pitching staff.
As for Nola, he checks every box for catchers that the Rockies love. Although with catchers Jacob Stallings, Drew Romo, and Hunter Goodman all projected to make the Rockies Opening Day roster, it will make the road a whole lot trickier. If an opportunity opens, Nola will be the most qualified and ready player behind the plate.
2024 MiLB Stats: 56 G, .176 AVG, .259 OBP, .297 SLG, 5 HR, 0 SB, 45 wRC+
Minor League Depth
LHP Matt Turner
The (then) Cleveland Indians selected Matt Turner out of Miami Palmetto High School in the 11th round of the 2017 MLB Draft. He made his professional debut at just 17 years old, and with a 6.75 ERA, he struggled in the Arizona League. 2019 turned out to be his best season as a minor leaguer, where he threw 73.2 innings across 15 starts putting up a 2.81 ERA.
Returning from the 2020 cancellation of MiLB, Turner’s command regressed. From a pitcher who never had a walk percentage under 10%, Turner finished 2022 and 2023 over that mark. He elected free agency and signed with the York Revolution of the Atlantic League, and joined former Rockies organization members; Colton Welker, DJ Johnson, and Jamari Baylor. There, he became the team’s closer and dominated against former MLB players and top prospects, posting a 2.44 ERA and 17 saves. He one-upped that success with the Sultanes de Monterrey of the Mexican Pacific Winter League posting a 1.53 ERA with 3 saves.
Starting his career struggling with executing pitches and below average velocity, Turner has rebounded greatly outside of minor league baseball. He was given the closer role for the Atlantic League champions, the York Revolution, and performed greatly as a back-end reliever. His lower 90s fastball along with his sweeping slider from the left side became a nightmare for professional batters. Turner is looking to finally break out in the higher levels of Minor League Baseball, and the 25-year-old is poised for success in the Rockies organization. He will likely begin the season in Double-A, but expect him to climb the ranks as a relief pitching prospect.
2024 Indy Stats: 48.0 IP, 2.44 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 3.4 BB/9, 11.6 SO/9
2024-2025 Winter League Stats: 17.2 IP, 1.53 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 2.5 BB/9, 10.7 SO/9
LHP Felix Ramires
Felix Ramires signed with the Rockies in August of 2017 out of Sabana de la Mar, Dominican Republic. He made his professional debut playing in the Dominican Summer League (DSL), spending 2018 and 2019 there compiling an ERA of 4.38 while maintaining a 8.5 SO/9 across 63.2 IP. Ramires didn’t start to gain traction as a prospect until 2021 when he posted a 3.38 ERA in the Arizona Complex League. Between 2022 and 2024 we started to see Ramires’s development shine through, with gradual assignments and maintainable strikeout rates. He owns a career MiLB ERA of 4.72 and SO/9 of 10.1.
Out of any pitcher in the Rockies organization, Felix Ramires has some of the most unorthodox pitching mechanics. His lefty sidearm approach comes from a simple windup where he slings his arm way behind himself and launches it parallel with his shoulder. No matter who the batter is, it will be a difficult at bat facing Ramires.
He has a fastball he likes to keep at the bottom of the zone, and a breaking ball that tunnels his fastball nicely, setting up a good strikeout sequence. With his funky arm angle, the ball is hard to pick up on and batters often whiff on his pitches, though there comes some consequences with the way he throws the ball.
Ramires faced the challenge with his control in 2024, walking 5.82 batters per 9, and when he did throw it in the zone, batters recorded a .298 AVG against him, accumulating a season ERA of 6.98. With more defined pitch execution we may see Ramires excel through the minor leagues with his natural stuff. Ramires will likely begin the season in Double-A.
2024 MiLB Stats: 38.2 IP, 6.98 ERA, 1.86 WHIP, 5.82 BB/9, 10.47 SO/9, 4.61 FIP
RHP Luis Amoroso
The Rockies signed Luis Amoroso out of Valencia, Venezuela in December of 2017. Similarly to Felix Ramires, Amoroso pitched in the DSL for two seasons where he amassed an ERA of 4.00. In 2021 for the ACL Rockies, Amoroso broke out as a prospect. He put up a 1.47 ERA and an absurd WHIP of 0.49 across 18.1 IP whilst striking out 34.8% of batters and only walking 1.5%.
Since his impressive 2021, he has had solid seasons for the Low-A Fresno Grizzlies and High-A Spokane Indians (3.84 and 5.89 ERA, respectively). This winter he has been playing for the Bravos de Margarita (alongside Rockies RHP Anthony Molina and former Rockies 2B Alexi Amarista) and has a 3.00 ERA in 5 games pitched.
When talking about Rockies prospects with plus velocity, Luis Amoroso has been a part of that discussion for years now. His sinker has consistently reached the upper-90s and it has helped Amoroso rack up solid ground ball results over the years. Along with his sinker he offers a slider and changeup that contrasts each other’s movement, they both spin across the horizontal axis and with proper sequencing, can result in quality whiffs.
The one thing that is holding back Amoroso from developing is his lack of a true strikeout pitch. His sinker has good velocity, but is really only effective in the lower half of the zone. While his slider/changeup combination is only effective on the corners. So he’s completely lacking a pitch to use on the upper part of the strike zone, which makes game plans against Amoroso easier for opponents. He will likely begin the season in Double-A.
2024 MiLB Stats: 45.0 IP, 4.80 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, 3.40 BB/9, 6.20 SO/9, 4.42 FIP
RHP Connor Van Scoyoc
Drafted by Los Angeles Angels out of Cedar Rapids Jefferson High School in the 11th round of the 2018 MLB Draft, Connor Van Scoyoc enjoyed a solid tenure with the Angels organization. In his first full season in 2022, he racked up 120 IP with a 4.28 ERA, most impressive of all, he managed 140 strikeouts alongside just 39 walks. From that point on he was being eyed as a potential MLB Starter someday. After another hot start in a season for the Angels organization, posting a 2.76 ERA at the High-A level, Van Scoyoc was traded to the Rockies in exchange for INF Mike Moustakas in June of 2023. He finished his 2023 campaign with a 3.80 ERA in 128 IP across both organizations, and even made it all the way to Double-A. In 2024 he threw another 115 innings, and ended the year with a 4.46 Double-A ERA.
Being one of the most durable minor league starters, Connor Van Scoyoc has shown plenty of promise. While having the 16th most innings pitched (363.0 IP) since 2022 out of all minor league pitchers, Van Scoyoc has cemented himself as a bulldog on the mound. After starting 2024 with a 8.73 ERA in 33.0 IP, he had a great comeback in his next 82.0 IP putting up a 2.74 ERA.
At the end of the season we were able to see the dominance that Van Scoyoc exhibits on the mound, shoving down batters with weak contact and strong pitch execution. He gets those results from a fastball he throws in the low-to-mid 90s range, and uses a curveball as a whiff pitch. Not to mention, Van Scoyoc has a strong pitchers build standing 6-foot-6 and 234 lbs.
As of right now, Van Scoyoc’s career seems similar to those of Ryan Castellani, Karl Kauffmann, or Ashton Goudeau. He won’t be an overpowering pitcher, but will give you quality innings and throw strikes. Van Scoyoc will likely start the season in either Double-A or Triple-A, and could make his MLB debut in 2025 as a possible spot starter or long relief option (similar to the pitchers mentioned earlier). Read more about Van Scoyoc here.
2024 MiLB Stats: 115.0 IP, 4.46 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, 3.37 BB/9, 5.71 SO/9, 4.74 FIP
SS Jose Torres
Born in Guayubin, Dominican Republic, but raised in Baltimore, Jose Torres attended NC State after high school. Across his true freshman year, where he received a redshirt after his first year due to Covid-19 in 2020, and his redshirt freshman season in 2021, Torres cemented himself as a top draft prospect. Known as one of the best fielders in all of NCAA baseball, he made only 8 errors at shortstop his entire college career while being an everyday starter, being selected to the First Team All-ACC after all of his accolades.
Upon being drafted by the Reds in the third round of the 2021 MLB draft, Torres struggled offensively every full season. Torres never having a wRC+ over 82 led the Reds to keep Torres unprotected from the Rule 5 Draft, leaving the door open to the Rockies to add him to their organization.
When looking at a shortstop you want someone who is fast and plays solid defense. Jose Torres checks those boxes and does it with some offensive upside, thanks to sneaky raw power. Unfortunately, with poor swing decisions, Torres has hurt his status as a prospect. When Torres is hitting, he swings at 72.7% of pitches in the zone and swings at 55.6% of pitches in general, both exceedingly high rate.
Most concerning, Torres whiffs 32.5% of the time on those swings. Not only does he swing the bat a lot, but Torres swings and misses a lot as well, holding his walk rates low and his strikeout rates high. While Torres has offensive potential, he needs to be more patient. Torres will likely spend 2025 playing middle infield between Double-A and Triple-A. Read more about Torres here.
2024 MiLB Stats: 79 G, .217 AVG, .274 OBP, .319 SLG, 5 HR, 9 SB, 78 wRC+
Development Pieces
RHP Nelvis Ochoa
Nelvis Ochoa was signed out of Valencia, Venezuela in July of 2019. He didn’t make his minor league debut until 2021 however, where he put up a 3.79 ERA in the DSL. In 2022, he had Tommy John surgery, which kept him out for his was-to-be sophomore season.
The following season, in 2023, was when he shined out the brightest. Through 17 games, Ochoa earned himself a 3.38 ERA with a 9.6 SO/9 and a 2.1 BB/9, being awarded a DSL All-Star selection. After his superb 2023, he was left unprotected by the Rockies in the Rule 5 draft and was selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the minor league portion. There, he made his stateside debut and put up a solid season with a 4.71 ERA and a 10.3 SO/9. Regardless of his good season, the Orioles decided to release him and the Rockies were quick to sign him again this offseason.
Nelvis Ochoa excels at two things: 1) throwing strikes, and 2) spinning his curveball. For a smaller frame, standing 5-foot-10 and weighing 158 lb, those two skills will be key in propelling Ochoa through the minors.
In Ochoa’s minor league career, he boasts an impressive 1.93 BB/9 (which is better than 98% of MiLB pitchers with at least 70 IP since 2021). As for his curveball, it has 12-6 break, inducing quality strikeout numbers throughout his career. In his first season outside of the Dominican Summer League, his strikeout numbers increased with the help of his curveball (career: 9.2 SO/9 -> 2024 10.3 SO/9). Ochoa is still yet to debut in full-season ball (Single-A and above), and throws slower than most starting pitchers, hurting his future outlook. His tools should not go unnoticed, and will help him as a prospect as he looks to climb the ladder with Colorado. Ochoa will likely start the season in Single-A as a starting pitcher.
2024 MiLB Stats: 21.0 IP, 4.71 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 2.14 BB/9, 10.29 SO/9, 4.39 FIP
RHP Alan Perdomo
Born in Santo Domingo, the birthplace of many MLB’s stars including Albert Pujols, Adrian Beltre, Pedro Martinez, and many others, Alan Perdomo has been surrounded by greatness. He was signed by the Rockies in December 2017, and spent 4 seasons in the DSL (most players spend at most 3 in the DSL), while having an 4.32 ERA from 2018-2022.
In 2023, he was assigned to the Arizona Complex League (ACL), and saw success there out of the bullpen, owning a 5.71 ERA but with an encouraging 9.1 SO/9 and 2.1 BB/9. After 2023, the Rockies left him unprotected from the Rule 5 Draft (as they also did with Nelvis Ochoa), and the New York Mets selected him in the minor league portion.
In terms of build, Alan Perdomo is nearly the opposite of Nelvis Ochoa. Standing 6-foot-4 and 150lb, Perdomo uses all of his slender build to throw the ball in the upper-90s, occasionally hitting 100 MPH. He has quick arm movement and an aggressive delivery, that can deceive batters that the pitch is even coming in faster than it’s initial velocity.
He has command that leaves some to be desired, but it isn’t entirely bad. Perdomo isn’t walking a ton of batters (3.76 BB/9), but he has issues executing his pitches. He often throws the ball in hittable locations which has lowered his strikeout numbers due to the fact that batters are hitting Perdomo’s putaway pitches frequently.
However, with his overpowering velocity, batters often keep the ball on the ground, boasting a ground ball percentage of 58%. While Perdomo has shaped up to be a solid ground ball pitcher, he would have more potential if the Rockies attempted to develop him more into a strikeout pitcher given his natural fastball speed. Perdomo will likely begin the season in either High-A or Double-A out of the bullpen.
2024 MiLB Stats: 52.2 IP, 3.76 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 3.76 BB/9, 6.32 SO/9, 4.37 FIP
C Jimmy Obertop
In high school, Jimmy Obertop was the 32nd ranked catcher in the nation, and 5th ranked player in the state of Missouri by Perfect Game. He spent 4 seasons at the University of Michigan where he played 134 games, while owning a .266/.370/.493 slashline with 29 HR and 97 RBI. After his senior season at U-M, he transferred to the University of Clemson to finish off his collegiate career. At Clemson, Obertop would have his best season, hitting 22 homeruns while having an elite .303/.438./656 slash line in 57 games played.
A fun fact about Obertop is that he has been teammates with current Rockies reliever, Jeff Criswell (Michigan in 2020), and also Rockies 2024 5th Round Pick, Blake Wright (Clemson in 2024).
Jimmy Obertop began his collegiate career being praised for his catching abilities. Over the years his great defense has maintained while his offense caught up. In 2024, he threw out 39% of baserunners who attempted to steal, but it was his offense that was most impressive.
Obertop being Clemson’s best hitter in 2024, leading the (Clemson) Tigers in slugging percentage, walks, and OPS, and tied Rockies 5th Round Pick, Blake Wright, in the lead for homeruns with 22. Obertop’s age left him undrafted, as he will start 2025 at 24 years old. The Rockies taking a flyer on a high-end college performer is exciting and we will likely see him start the season either in the ACL or Single-A.
*Signing reported by Baseball America
2024 NCAA Stats: 57 G, .303 AVG, .438 OBP, .656 SLG, 22 HR, 1 SB
SS Jacob Hinderleider
Born in Kaneohe, Hawaii, Jacob Hinderleider was the 5th ranked player in the Aloha State by Perfect Game. He started his collegiate career playing four seasons at Davidson College (a school that hasn’t had an MLB player since Robert Eehoorn in 1997), where Hinderleider appeared in 170 games with a .273/.354/.490 slashline with 25 homeruns. Like Obertop, after his senior year Hinderleider transferred to Clemson (teaming up with Wright and Obertop), where he played primarily first base and shortstop.
Another slugger for Clemson, Hinderleider enjoyed himself a great season at the plate offensively. He had himself a .336/.407/.580 slashline, while trotting around the bases for 13 long balls. Hinderleider has a nice fluent swing, but gets too aggressive at times (striking out 27% of the time). Overall, he has a solid offensive profile, and the defensive flexibility to play any position between first base and third base. He will also likely start the season in either the ACL or Single-A.
*Signing reported by Baseball America
2024 NCAA Stats: 59 G, .336 AVG, .407 OBP, .580 SLG, 13 HR, 9 SB
OF Clayton Gray
Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, Clayton Gray was ranked as the fifth overall prospect and number one outfielder in the state by Perfect Game. He started his first two years of collegiate baseball at Crowder College. For the Roughriders, he hit 11 homeruns and was one of the best players for Crowder before transferring to Austin Peay University in 2023. Gray continued the next two years with success for the Govs’, accumulating a .357/.427/.597 slashline with 20 home runs.
There are many reasons why you should like Clayton Gray. He walked more than he struck out for the Austin Peay Governors in 2024. He hit 15 home runs and stole 13 bases. He also finished the season with a 1.130 OPS. Gray is a great athlete, and is able to control center field defensively. Standing at 5-foot-9, he is a bit undersized, but his game speaks for itself, showcasing elite production in 2024. Upon joining the Rockies organization, Gray will likely start the season in the ACL or Single-A.
*Signing reported by Baseball America
2024 NCAA Stats: 55 G, .380 AVG, .450 OBP, .680 SLG, 15 HR, 13 SB
OF Tayler Aguilar
Tayler Aguilar was born in Evans, Colorado, and attended Grand Canyon University. In his freshman season, he played alongside former Rockies prospect, Cuba Bess. In Aguilar’s three years at GCU, he had a .315/.391/.603 slashline with 29 homeruns across 124 games, good enough for the New York Yankees to select him in the 15th round of the 2022 MLB Draft. Aguilar has struggled in his minor league career, owning a slashline of .155/.298/.295 with 11 HR. It led the Yankees to release Aguilar in May of 2024, where the Rockies signed him this offseason.
Joining the organization, Taylor Aguilar cements himself as one of the more interesting position players. He does two things especially well: 1) fielding, 2) getting on base, relative to his average. In 2024, he managed to get a .338 OBP, despite a 77 wRC+.
However when you take into account that Aguilar’s AVG was .109 and that he walking 23% of the time, it makes for a somewhat impressive skillset. Aguilar has struggled greatly with hitting the ball, and striking out in the minors, but it comes with the territory of hunting for walks. He knows the zone better than anyone, and the Rockies envision someone who could use that skill to help their offensive production. Aguilar can have a similar career path to Jake Snider, and revitalize his baseball career through the Rockies’ player development. It is likely that he will start the season in either Single-A or High-A.
2024 MiLB Stats: 19 G, .109 AVG, .338 OBP, .182 SLG, 1 HR, 3 SB, 77 wRC+
This is it for all of the transactions as of 01/04/25. There will be a second part released before the regular season starts, pending more transactions.
Thank you for reading!
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