Luke Wortman | March 29, 2025
Baseball is back, and the Albuquerque Isotopes have arguably the best roster in their organization’s history and certainly since they became the Rockies Triple-A affiliate. Most of the Rockies’ top prospects are on this roster, and a mix of intriguing veterans and journeymen are with them to round things out.
This level of baseball is always super interesting because, as Isotopes PA Announcer Josh Suchon said, “all it takes is a good week or two for a guy to get called up.” Players are so close to the big leagues, and a small mechanical change or development can lead to them fulfilling their dreams. If there is a Rockies affiliate team to watch this season, it’s the Isotopes.
Right Handed Pitchers:
Zach Agnos – Age: 25 | BSB Prospect Ranking: 29 | Acquired: 2022 MLB Draft, 10th Round | Alum: East Carolina
Many teams preferred Agnos as a hitter coming out of high school, but the Rockies made a bet on the East Carolina two-way man that has paid off. The Agnos pick looks like a great decision, as he has blossomed into one of the best relievers in the system and arguably leaguewide. Agnos had the best season of any Rockies relief prospect in ‘24, tossing a 1.38 ERA, and striking out 63 in 52.1 innings between Spokane and Hartford.
The righty has a solid repertoire for a reliever, with a fastball, slider, changeup, and cutter in the mix, though he has also dabbled with other pitches, too. With a mid-90s fastball and plus command of 4 pitches, the reliever is able to get the most out of his deep arsenal and should serve as the Isotopes closer.
Diego Castillo – Age: 31 | Acquired: Free Agent Signing
Castillo brings some of the most MLB experience to the ‘Topes in recent memory, having pitched 278.1 innings in the Show. The veteran has struggled with injuries the past two seasons and is using this opportunity with Albuquerque to get back to his once excellent form. Castillo owns a career 3.20 ERA and 310 strikeouts at the big league level. He’s been a borderline elite reliever at times and could be a major piece for the Rockies this year.
Dugan Darnell – Age: 27 | Acquired: UDFA | Alum: Adrian College
This will be the third season at Albuquerque for the BSB fan favorite. Darnell has one of the best stories in the system and has gone from NAIA to the brinks of the major leagues. He tore up the lower minors but has stalled out a bit at Albuquerque. In 40.1 innings last season, Darnell tossed a 5.58 ERA, struck out 50 batters, and walked 21.
Darnell has mid-90s velocity with a jumpy fastball and a bowling ball splitter to beat hitters and his breaking ball is coming along, serving as a potential ticket to the Rockies roster.
Chase Dollander – Age: 23 | BSB Ranking: 1 | Acquired: 2023 MLB Draft, 1st Round | Alum: Georgia Southern, Tennessee
The first-round pick in 2023 has done nothing but exceed expectations, with our own Tyler Paddor dubbing Dollander as one of, if not the best, pitching prospect in Rockies history. Pitching in Albuquerque or Denver doesn’t always work out well, but Dollander is best equipped to handle the altitude.
The righty touches 99 mph and mixes it with three good secondaries. His command is inconsistent, but his stuff gets the job done. Dollander had a 2.59 ERA in 118 innings last year and struck out 169 batters, walking just 47. If there is one name to watch this season on the ‘Topes, it’s Dollander. You might not see a more highly regarded prospect in Albuquerque this year.
Tanner Gordon – Age: 27 | Acquired: Trade with Atlanta | Alum: Indiana
Gordon came over in the Pierce Johnson trade with Atlanta in 2023 and tossed 34.1 innings in the Show last year. The numbers weren’t exactly pretty with an 8.65 ERA with the Rockies, but he had a much better 4.45 ERA at Albuquerque. Gordon may not blow away the opposition with his stuff, but his command and combo of pitches help to get outs. Gordon should start in the rotation for Albuquerque and should make some starts in Colorado when necessary.
Jaden Hill – Age: 25 | BSB Ranking: 28 | Acquired: 2021 MLB Draft, 2nd Round | Alum: LSU
In college with LSU, Hill looked like a first-round pick until he had Tommy John surgery early in his Junior season. The Rockies were able to snag him in the 2nd round, and a great 2024 campaign led to his big league debut. Prior to 2024, Hill struggled to find consistency as a starte,r which led to a transition in his role. Hill is strictly a reliever, albeit one who could do a lot of damage against an opposing lineup. The calling card here is a fastball that can flirt with triple digits, and he pairs it with a strong slider and changeup. Hill’s changeup has the potential to be well above average in MLB.
After tossing 10.2 innings in the Show last season, Hill is poised to spend a lot of time this year pitching in Coors, though he’ll likely spend some time in Triple-A as well.
Karl Kauffmann – Age: 27 | Acquired: 2019 MLB Draft, 2nd Round | Alum: Michigan
Kaufmann was a 2nd round pick by the Rox after leading Michigan to a College World Series Final appearance, and he will be looking to get back to the Show after playing solely with Albuquerque in 2024. The righty struggled to a 8.23 ERA in 23 innings in Denver in ‘23, and reduced velocity led to an 8.95 ERA in 129.2 innings with the Topes.
Kauffmann has the pedigree and early career track record to suggest he could turn things around and be an impact depth pitcher.
Juan Mejia – Age: 25 | BSB Ranking: 37 | Acquired: International Signing
Mejia has some of the best stuff in the Rockies system but hasn’t always been able to get the most out of it due to some erratic qualities. The righty was added to the 40-man roster after the 2023 season but proceeded to struggle to a 5.00 ERA in Hartford. His upper 90s fastball and slider mix are potent, but his command will need to improve. Mejia will fill late innings for the Isotopes.
Anthony Molina – Age: 23 | Acquired: Rule 5 Pick from Tampa
Molina was an MLB Rule 5 Draft pick from the Rays system in 2023, and thus spent the whole season in Denver last year. The 23-year-old had a 6.79 ERA and struck out 41 in 59.1 innings. The righty has some potential, and the team has decided that placing him in Albuquerque will hopefully allow them to develop him more before his return to the big leagues. Molina will return to a starter role this season and lengthens out the Rockies rotation depth, providing the Isotopes with a promising young arm to watch.
Andrew Quezada – Age: 27 | Acquired: 2018 MLB Draft, 7th Round | Alum: Cal State Fullerton
Quezada has slowly been climbing the minor league ladder and is on the verge of the big leagues after a great 2024 campaign. Unfortunately, injuries shortened the season, but Quezada put together a 3.29 ERA and struck out 63 innings in 90.1 innings. He doesn’t have overpowering stuff, but like many members of this list his command is strong enough to get outs. Quezada might be pushed into a long relief role this year but he’s a strong candidate to be a depth fill-in at the big league level this year, even if for a short time.
Left Handed Pitchers:
Lucas Gilbreath – Age: 29 | Acquired: 2017 MLB Draft, 7th Round | Alum: Minnesota
Gilbreath put up really good relief innings for the Rox from 2021-2022, but injuries have limited him to only one big league inning since then. The Colorado native has some really good offerings from the left side, and shouldn’t spend too much time in Albuquerque if he can stay healthy. Expect mid-90s velocity and a slider with great depth.
Evan Justice – Age: 26 | BSB Ranking: 40 | Acquired: 2021 MLB Draft, 5th Round | Alum: NC State
The 5th-rounder skyrocketed from Spokane to the big leagues in 2023, tossing 7.1 innings in the Show at the end of the year. Justice had a really rough 2024 where he struggled with injuries and control. Since then, he has changed his arm slot from three-quarters to sidearm and may have discovered more command. Justice can touch 96 from the left side and his slider wins with deception.
Jack O’Loughlin – Age: 25 | Acquired: MiLB Free Agent Signing
The Australia native made his big league debut with the A’s last season, tossing 9.2 innings with a 4.60 ERA. O’Loughlin spent most of last season pitching at Triple-A Las Vegas, an environment similar to Albuquerque, where he had a 6.04 ERA and struck out 80 in 73 innings. O’Loughlin’s ceiling is low but he has a starter’s arsenal and could be an MLB depth piece this season.
Carson Palmquist – Age: 24 | BSB Ranking 16 | Acquired: 2022 MLB Draft, 3rd Round | Alum: Miami
Originally considered a relief-only prospect out of the University of Miami, Palmquist has blossomed into one of the Rockies best starting pitching prospects. Last season, Palmquist had a terrific first-half campaign at Hartford, tossing a 3.17 ERA and striking out 113 batters in 82.1 innings. His 35 innings with Albuquerque were a little less stellar, but he held his ground despite waning arm strength.
The name of Palmquist’s game is his deceptive delivery, which allows his low 90s fastball to play anywhere in the zone. Palmquist can mix in three secondary pitches, all with quality attributes and the potential to be above average.
Ryan Rolison – Age: 27 | Acquired: 2018 MLB Draft, 1st Round | Alum: Ole Miss
The former first-round pick in 2018 hasn’t seen his career take off due to injuries, but Rolison will be looking to use 2025 as a year to get back on track. When healthy, Rolison has shown of potential but has pitched barely over 100 innings since the start of 2021. Rolison looked healthy at the end of last season and tossed a 5.19 ERA in 34.2 innings with Albuquerque.
There’s a well located 91-94 mph fastball here and a potentially lethal breaking ball. The bullpen is Rolison’s new home as the Rockies look to keep the lefty healthy.
Jefry Yan – Age: 28 | Acquired: MiLB Free Agent Signing
Yan is known for his exuberant strikeout celebrations, and is making his return to MiLB after pitching last year in Japan. Yan reached Triple-A with Miami at the end of 2023. Yan is not just demonstrative on the mound, he’s got the stuff to potentially stick in an MLB bullpen, though consistency will be his ticket there.
Catchers:
Braxton Fulford – Age: 26 | Acquired: 2021 MLB Draft 6th Round | Alum: Texas Tech
The former Texas Tech Red Raider provides a steady glove behind the dish, while also providing a bit of pop. Hit .242 with 10 home runs at Hartford last season. Until Drew Romo is back from injury, Fulford will be given every chance to build momentum.
Austin Nola – Age: 35 | Acquired: MiLB Free Agent Signing | Alum: LSU
The brother of Phillies ace Aaron Nola, Austin is the oldest member of the Isotopes. Nola has played in 5 MLB seasons and has 1200 big league plate appearances to his name. He usually has been an above-average backup catcher, but he really struggled with the Padres last season amid lingering injuries. Nola provides veteran leadership to a young pitching staff.
Ronaiker Palma – Age: 25 | Acquired: International Free Agent Signing
Palma is one of the best defenders in the system overall, but his hit tool lags behind. Palma hit just .242 with 1 home run last season. MiLB teams usually carry three catchers at all times in case of emergency and Palma is that guy. He may end up in Double-A once Romo returns.
Infielders:
Adael Amador – Age: 21 | BSB Ranking: 4 | Acquired: International Free Agent Signing
One of the top prospects in the system, Amador has ranked near the top of baseball’s best prospects, but his stock has fallen a bit recently. Injuries and inconsistency have slowed him down, but he still made his big league debut last year, playing in ten games.
Amador has shown flashes of All-Star potential with having 5-tool ability. The hit tool is a strong one, and is quite advanced for a 21-year old. Defensively, he will spend time at second base, where he rates as a solid defender. Amador hit .230 with 14 home runs at Hartford last year. He’s a patient at bat every time with sneaky pop and the instincts to disrupt on the basepaths.
With a glut of utility infielders in Colorado, Amador may not appear for the Rockies much this year, though he could force the issue with a torrid Triple-A start.
Warming Bernabel – Age: 22 | Acquired: International Free Agent Signing
Bernabel has been near the top of Rockies prospect rankings over the years but has seen his value dip in recent years as he struggled at Hartford. Bernabel actually landed on the 40-man roster after the 2023 season but was removed shortly after a lackluster showing in Spring Training.
However, Bernabel is just 22 years old and has potential thanks to solid hands at the plate. Last year, the native of the Dominican Republic hit .263 with 9 home runs in his second season at Hartford, though he does not draw many walks and won’t impact the game on the bases.
Julio Carreras – Age: 25 | Acquired: International Free Agent Signing
Carreras is one of the better infield gloves in the system and brings some solid speed as well. Much like Bernabel, Carreras was on the 40-man roster following the 2023 season but he was designated for assignment in May and went unclaimed.
Carreras hit .237 with 2 home runs as the Isotopes’ primary shortstop last season. Carreras has always been extremely streaky but if he catches fire, he could return to form as a notable prospect.
Keston Hiura – Age: 28 | Acquired: Free Agent Signing | Alum: UC Irvine
Hiura was once one of the top prospects in all of baseball, hitting .442 his draft year of college. He debuted to a 1.8 WAR with a .303 average and 19 home runs in 84 games. Unfortunately, his numbers have declined severely as his plate discipline has eroded away. Hiura hit incredibly well with Salt Lake (Angels affiliate) last year to the tune of a 1.220 OPS and could be a major piece for the Rockies if he can re-polish his hitting ability.
Owen Miller – Age: 28 | Acquired: Trade with Milwaukee | Alum: Illinois State
A 3rd round pick out of Illinois State in 2018, Miller raced up the big leagues as one of the top prospects in the Padres system before being traded in part for Mike Clevinger. Once he reached the big leagues, however, his career stalled and he’s bounced between a couple of organizations.
The infielder owns a career .239 batting average and 15 home runs across 1015 plate appearances at the big league level.
Ryan Ritter – Age: 24 | BSB Ranking: 14 | Acquired: 2022 MLB Draft, 4th Round | Alum: Kentucky
Ryan Ritter has been the most consistent player in the whole Rockies organization the last two seasons. The 23-year-old shortstop from Kentucky was drafted because of his stellar defense at shortstop. His profile came with some pop, but overall no one expected much from his offensive game. Last season saw Ritter face a full season of Double-A action, one of the toughest jumps in MiLB and he stuck the landing.
With the glove, he was as smooth as ever, and with the bat, he garnered a wRC+ of 126 while bringing his K% down 5 points. Ritter definitely has holes with his offensive game, one of them being his plate discipline, but because of his premier defense at a valuable position, the level he has to get with the bat to become an effective MLB player isn’t as high as other prospects.
Aaron Schunk – Age: 27 | Acquired: 2019 MLB Draft, 2nd Round | Alum: Georgia
A 2nd round pick in 2019, Schunk made his MLB debut after spending two seasons in Albuquerque. He’s a career .290 hitter at this level, and hit .234 with 2 home runs last year in MLB. A part-time closer at the University of Georgia, Schunk would likely be the first position player called in to pitch if needed.
Outfielders:
Yanquiel Fernandez – Age: 22 | BSB Ranking 8 | Acquired: International Free Agent
Fernandez headlines an outfield group that all rank highly on prospect lists. The Cuba native has some of the best raw power in all of the minor leagues, so Fernandez playing in Albuquerque is a match made in heaven. He has fallen off some Top 100 lists due to issues with his approach and some swing and miss, but his ceiling is sky high.
Fernandez hit .283 with 10 home runs at Hartford last season before hitting .211 with 2 home runs in 33 games at Albuquerque. Fernandez has yet to put it all together in the pros but now would be as good a time as ever.
Sterlin Thompson – Age: 23 | BSB Ranking: 15 | Acquired 2022 MLB Draft, 1st Round | Alum: Florida
The 31st overall pick in 2022, Thompson has one of the strongest bats in the system. He’s a pro hitter but struggled a bit last year in the extremely pitcher-friendly Eastern League. The Florida alum has slowly fallen down the defensive ladder but can play a bit of the infield as well as the corner outfield. Thompson hit .245 with 13 home runs in Hartford last season.
His high contact, high line drive approach should work wonders in the spacious, high-altitude confines of Isotopes Park.
Zac Veen – Age: 23 | BSB Ranking: 5 | Acquired 2020 MLB Draft, 1st Round
The 9th overall pick in 2020 has had a long and winding road to the show, but he almost made the big league roster after Spring Training. Injuries and inconsistency have really dampened his prospect status, but it has been on the rise recently thanks to a solid 2024 and electric Spring Training. The hit tool needs the most development and is the biggest reason why he is starting in AAA, but Veen has true 5-tool potential.
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