For the last couple of seasons, the Fresno Grizzlies boasted top-heavy though still balanced teams that have dominated the regular season. They always put out a roster with a mixture of international players with recent draftees. Seeing these prospects adapt to the new environment, whether it be international players to a challenging stateside assignment or collegiate players getting their first extended taste of pro opponents.

This season the Grizzlies are starting the season with top prospects Brody Brecht and Robert Calaz. Aside from those two star-studded players, the Grizzlies don’t have many recognizable names. However, each player shines in one thing or another that can help them all have a chance at cracking an MLB roster down the road.

Let’s dive in into the roster!

Right Handed Pitchers

Austin Becker – Age 25 | Acquired: 2022 MLB Draft, 16th Round | Alum: Texas Tech

2025 will be Austin Becker’s third year playing in Fresno. The right-handed pitcher is a product of Texas Tech, and has been used as strictly a reliever since being drafted. In 2024, he had his best professional season; posting a 3.67 ERA across 27 innings. Becker brings pro-ball veteran presence amongst a team full of new draftees, and international players. 

There’s some power and upside in Becker’s arsenal, though injuries and overall inconsistency have kept him from making substantial strides.

Nathan Blasick – Age 23 | Acquired: 2024 MLB Draft, 19th Round | Alum: New Orleans

The first three seasons of Nathan Blasick’s collegiate career were spent as a first baseman and outfielder, only appearing in four games as a pitcher for West Virginia and The University of New Orleans. After having struggles at the plate, he was converted to a pitcher full-time and flashes plus potential on the mound. In 34.1 innings in the Southland Conference (D1), Blasick had a 3.93 ERA and a 10.5 K/9. 

The righty’s success on the mound can be attributed to a cross-body, sidearm delivery paired with great arm speed, making his pitches move in odd ways. Blasick will sit 92-95 with his fastball, offers a promising low-80s slider that is tough to pick up with his delivery, and a changeup that he’s starting throwing with great deception. The Rockies hope here is the sidearmer’s deceptive arsenal plays up as Blasick gains more experience as a new pitcher.

Brody Brecht – Age 22 | BSB Ranking: 3 | Acquired: 2024 MLB Draft, CB-A Round | Alum: Iowa

Out of any player on the Grizzlies roster, no prospect has as a higher pedigree than Brody Brecht. A projected high first round pick out of Iowa, the Rockies were able to snag him at 38th overall. The flamethrower possesses a fastball that has clocked in at over 100 MPH, and a devastating upper-80s slider that was the most dangerous pitch in all of amateur baseball. His collegiate career 14.2 K/9 is a testament to how overpowering and nasty his stuff is.

Command is a lingering issue with Brecht, and was ultimately the reason why he fell outside the top 30 picks in the draft. The Iowa-native’s ceiling is arguably higher than Chase Dollander’s, and Dollander is the best pitching prospect in Rockies history. If that doesn’t make you want to invest in Brecht’s stock, there won’t be much that can sway you. 

Yanzel Correa – Age 20 | Acquired: 2023 MLB Draft, 18th Round

Drafted out of Puerto Rico at 18 years old, Yanzel Correa is set to begin the season for Fresno. In 2024, Correa had a 6.98 ERA across the ACL and Single-A. The right-hander is another player that’s more new to pitching, as he was a catcher growing up.

Due to Correa still figuring out the ropes, there are command and mechanical inconsistencies/struggles, but that is to be expected with such inexperience. The now 20-year-old has good size for a pitcher, and encouraging arm talent. He will come out of the bullpen in a long relief or inning eater role. 

Jackson Cox – Age 21 | BSB Ranking: 39 | Acquired: 2022 MLB Draft, 2nd Round

Drafted out of high school, Jackson Cox has had an injury riddled beginning to his career. Despite being drafted in 2022, the former second-rounder has only logged 31 innings pitched, and that was only in 2023. Cox returned to pitching in instructional league at the end of 2024, and had an entire off-season to train and get back to his former top-prospect self.

Cox has a special ability to spin the ball, out of high school he was routinely spinning his curveball at over 3000 rpm — elite amongst all pro pitchers. Though injuries have delayed Cox’s development, his arm talent can still take him far. Cox will form a dynamic high-pedigree duo with Brecht at the top of Fresno’s rotation.

Tyler Hampu – Age 22 | Acquired: 2024 MLB Draft, 18th Round | Alum: Austin Peay

Tyler Hampu’s amateur career is one of resilience. He was cut off his high school baseball team his junior year, and COVID cancelled his senior season. Colby Community College gave the right-hander an opportunity, and he quickly showed out.

Later on he transferred to Austin Peay, where he posted a 7.55 ERA across two seasons. Despite the poor ERA, Hampu flashed great strikeout potential; averaging 12.1 K/9, thanks to a lively fastball that touches 98 and deceptive upper-80s changeup. The 22-year-old will come out of the bullpen for Fresno, and hope to hone in on command and consistency.

Brady Hill – Age 24 | Acquired: 2022 MLB Draft, 15th Round | Alum: San Jose State

A 2022 draftee, Brady Hill will be returning for his third season with the Grizzlies. The two results that Hill gets most frequently are strikeouts and fly balls. Usually as pitchers progress through the minors, strikeout numbers decrease, and fly balls result in more homeruns. So keeping the right-hander at Fresno to give him more time to hone in on his craft, and be given a more important role out of the bullpen will all be good for Hill’s development. 

Hill has been up to 98 mph and is a freak athlete, formerly a two-way player in college with 70-grade speed. After picking up 5 saves for Fresno last year, Hill may be in line for late innings.

Fisher Jameson – Age 21 | Acquired: 2024 MLB Draft, 10th Round | Alum: Florida

Fisher Jameson, a 10th rounder out of Florida, has an interesting player profile. Throwing from a high arm slot, the righty relies almost exclusively on a fastball/slider combo. The fastball is fringey, sitting just 91-93, though Jameson spots it well. His slider dominated the SEC, giving up just a .381 OPS last year with a 50.4 whiff%. Jameson has a back pocket changeup, but still needs tweaking for it to be game ready. Standing 6-foot-5 240 pounds, Jameson is imposing and may be able to better utilize his strong frame in the pros. Jameson will be coming out of the bullpen for the Grizzlies in 2025.

Luke Jewett – Age 22 | Acquired: 2024 MLB Draft, 8th Round | Alum: UCLA

The Rockies have three UCLA alumnus on their MLB roster; Sean Bouchard, Jake Bird, and Michael Toglia. So when RHP Luke Jewett was available on the draft board, the front office was more than comfortable selecting him.

Out of any pitcher selected by the Rockies in 2024, Jewett is the most polished. In 2024, the Righty posted the following numbers for UCLA; 14 starts, 82.2 IP, 4.35 ERA, 7.84 SO/9, and a 3.70 BB/9. Not flashy but there’s durability and experience here.

While nothing is particularly “great” about Jewett’s profile, his consistency in every aspect will progress him through the system quickly. Similar to Andrew Quezada and Karl Kauffmann, Jewett’s upside is capped but he could eventually be a spot starter. The UCLA alum will begin the season in the rotation for the Grizzlies.

Lebarron Johnson Jr. – Age 22 | Acquired: 2024 MLB Draft, 5th Round | Texas

The second pitcher the Rockies selected in 2024 was Texas RHP Lebarron Johnson Jr. A 5.60 ERA in 72.1 innings may not be attractive, but there’s a way bigger picture to what Johnson has in store. Throwing a mid-90s fastball, and pairing it with a power downhill slider, Johnson has a dynamic pro arsenal.

His fastball doesn’t have the shape of a typical pitch similar to his arm angle; it’s more steep and has downward movement. So when Johnson misses his fastball in the zone, batters take advantage — hence an opponent OPS over 1.000 against his fastball. The Rockies believe there is more life there behind his fastball, and will be looking to turn it into a groundball machine, much like his often dominant slider.

Ismael Luciano – Age 22 | Acquired: International Free Agent

Across every level of baseball, Ismael Luciano has given up runs; posting a career 5.66 ERA. However, Luciano does have talent and the stuff to miss bats. The Dominican righty throws a steep low-to-mid-90s fastball, paired with a quality curveball.

With an occasional third pitch in his changeup, Luciano strikes out a fair amount of batters. The biggest hole in the righty’s game is his below average command. He misses in the zone, and guys hit him hard, and if he’s not missing in the zone, he is walking batters. Pitching needs to be precise to see good results, and this is what Luciano is looking to harness currently. Luciano started one of the opening games for Fresno and looks poised to get a final rotation opportunity.

Bryan Mena – Age 20 | Acquired: International Free Agent

Both Ismael Luciano and Bryan Mena are starting pitchers with plus curveballs. As for Mena, his control is more honed in, and it’s helped him see better results with a 2024 ERA of 4.99 across the ACL and Single-A. He is a consistent workhorse, and has proven to be ready for the Grizzlies’ rotation at just 20-years-old. 

Luke Taggart – Age 27 | Acquired: UDFA | Alum: Oklahoma

After a solid tenure at Oklahoma, RHP Luke Taggart went undrafted in the 2021 MLB Draft, and the Rockies signed him to a minor league contract. To begin 2022, the Rockies gave Taggart an aggressive assignment to High-A Spokane, and the Righty exceeded every expectation, posting a 2.53 ERA across 22 games, while even picking up 5 saves. The Rockies found their diamond in the rough prospect. However, he suffered an elbow injury that between the recovery and rehab, deprived him of both the 2023 and 2024 seasons.

The now healthy Taggart is looking to renew his 2022 success, beginning a slow progression back with Fresno.

Fidel Ulloa – Age 22 | Acquired: 2024 MLB Draft, 7th Round | Louisiana State

In the 2024 MLB Draft, no player had a better mustache than Fidel Ulloa. In terms of Ulloa’s baseball skills, he had one of the better one-two punches in the draft. A fastball that tops out at 96 MPH, and a slider that was whiffed at 60% of the time in NCAA last year, though the right-hander walked a few too many batters.

However, in the 2024 MLB Draft League no pitcher was better than Ulloa. Pitching 15 innings, the LSU alum had a 0.00 ERA and a 0.467 WHIP, while maintaining a 11.4 SO/9 and a 1.8 BB/9, good enough to get him selected in the 7th round. He will be one of the more dependable arms in the 2025 Fresno bullpen.

Left Handed Pitchers

Everett Catlett – Age 22 | Acquired: 2024 MLB Draft, 12th Round | Alum: Georgetown

The giant 6-foot-7 Everett Catlett was a consistent workhorse for Georgetown. With a fastball in the low-90s, and a pair of quality secondaires, Catlett ended the season with a 3.36 ERA across 77.2 innings. Though none of his pitches have above-average projection, the fact he has a well rounded arsenal, a fresh arm, and some physical projection give Catlett intriguing upside. It’s unclear if Catlett will start for Fresno or not, but he is one of the more talented arms on the roster.

Justin Loer – Age 22 | Acquired: 2024 MLB Draft, 13th Round | Alum: Louisiana State

Another LSU Alum, Justin Loer looks to carry on the dominant LSU to MLB pipeline. The 22-year-old lefty has a deceptive delivery that keeps batters guessing. Velocity won’t blow you away with Loer, topping out around 93 MPH, but his athleticism and low-¾ arm slot makes every at bat tough for opponents. Along with his fastball, the south-paw throws a wipeout slider that misses bats. Loer is an exciting bullpen arm, and he looks to breakout as a prospect in 2025.

Catchers

Juan Castillo – Age 22 | Acquired: International Free Agent

A glove first catcher, Juan Castillo was ranked #5 on BSB’s catching tool rankings. The 22-year-old is fundamentally advanced, and works well with pitchers. There is still an asterisk next to Castillo’s bat, after hitting .249 across the ACL and Low-A in 2024, notably striking out 40% of the time in 13 games for Fresno last season. However, early in his career he has flashed good plate discipline, so there is a chance for Castillo’s bat to progress. Castillo will likely serve as the backup catcher in 2025 for the Grizzlies. 

Alan Espinal – Age 23 | 2024 MLB Draft, 11th Round | Alum: Vanderbilt 

Vanderbilt has a prestigious pedigree as a baseball school, with Alan Espinal one of their latest pro products. Espinal is a noted hard worker, and was praised by Vanderbilt teammates/coaches for his impressive work ethic and compatibility with pitchers. A spirited catcher like that is wanted by every baseball team.

The 23-year-old has an interesting batting profile. He slugged 13 homers, and even hit one out 469 feet; Espinal swings hard and has huge raw power. A downside to Espinal’s bat is a high tendency to strike out, with a 31.3% clip in 2024.

Usually strikeout numbers increase as well once players make the transition to professional baseball. With his impressive glove, and solid raw-power, Espinal will be an underrated pick to breakout in 2025 as the everyday starter for the Grizzlies, though the Rockies need to work with his hit tool in order to make strides in the organization.

Utility 

Nolan Clifford – Age 23 | 2024 MLB Draft, 17th Round | Alum: Creighton

Historically, people who are named Nolan usually do very well for the Rockies. So Nolan Clifford has history on his side. For Creighton, Clifford had an impressive season offensively, boasting a .348/.469/.497 slash line along with five home runs from the left side of the plate.

Standing 5-foot-10, Clifford’s size limits his power, but his great plate discipline will supplement that enough to hit in the lower levels of the minors. Across his collegiate career, he has played almost everywhere on the field except for catcher, and will likely stick in the infield for Fresno. 

Tommy Hopfe – Age 22 | 2024 MLB Draft, 9th Round | Alum: Fresno State

After being drafted out of Fresno State, Tommy Hopfe won’t have to go very far, playing 15 minutes from his college park. Spending his four years of college as a two-way player, 2025 will be Hopfe’s first season as a position player only.

The outfielder/first baseman had a solid 2024 campaign with Fresno State; batting .360 along with seven home runs. Hopfe makes a ton of contact and has some power in his bat, though his aggressive approach can get him into trouble. 2025 will be a telling year for him as he looks to translate his collegiate success across town for the Grizzlies.

Infielders

Kevin Fitzer – Age 23 | Acquired: 2024 MLB Draft, 16th Round | Alum: Cal State Northridge

Everywhere Kevin Fitzer has played in his amateur career he has seen success, totalling 34 career home runs across the NCAA and MLB Draft Leagues in 174 total games. The Big West Conference is a sneaky good baseball conference and Fitzer’s eventual dominance of the conference sets the tone as he enters pro ball with potentially average hit and power tools. He will likely play between first base and the outfield in 2025 for the Grizzlies.

Francisco Garcia – Age 22: Acquired: International Free Agent

After spending three seasons in the Arizona Complex League, Francisco Garcia is making his full-season debut in 2025. The Dominican third baseman showed impressive power numbers early in his career, giving him an early assignment to the ACL.

After a rough transition, and an injured 2023 season, Garcia cut down on strikeout numbers while hitting three home runs in 2024. His hit tool is still developing, but the right-handed bat has a fast swing, and when he barrels up the ball, exit velocities are usually above average. Garcia will likely see time in the infield corners for Fresno this season. 

Roynier Hernandez – Age 20 | Acquired: International Free Agent

Out of any prospect in the lower levels of the Rockies system, Roynier Hernandez has the best feel for contact. Batting .305 for the ACL in 2024, that is only a glimpse of what Hernandez brings to the table. With a strikeout percentage of just 14.8%, it’s true that he keeps the ball in play. However his superb walk percentage of 16% is what really stands out.

The only drawback in Hernandez’s game is a lack of power, as he is still seeking his first pro home run. With elite contact and quality defense, the 20-year-old could become a top 30 Rockies prospect with a strong 2025 season.

Kelvin Hidalgo – Age 20 | BSB Ranking: 38 | Acquired: International Free Agent

Outside of Robert Calaz, Kelvin Hidalgo has the second highest ceiling out of any Grizzlies position player to start the season. After a breakout Dominican Summer League campaign in 2023 where Hidalgo hit 12 home runs and won the DSL MVP, the young shortstop was assigned to the ACL.

His numbers decreased stateside — as many players’ do once making the transition — but it was probably an approach change that can be blamed on his fallen numbers. In his 12 home run season Hidalgo was pulling the ball 50% of the time, whereas just a season later that number went down to 38% of the time. Fortunately for the 20-year-old, that’s a trend that can be reversed.

With a strong 6-foot-2 frame, power projection is almost inevitable for Hidalgo. While still 20 years old, he will only grow stronger and that power will increase even more. The right-handed hitter has an especially long swing, and has flaws holding back the promising power. There’s a lot of risk that goes into a prospect like Hidalgo, but if his development goes to plan, there’s sky high potential with Hidalgo.

Blake Wright – Age 23 | BSB Ranking: 25 | 2024 MLB Draft, 4th Round Pick | Alum: Clemson

It is known that the Rockies like swing happy players, we see it on the MLB squad with Ezequiel Tovar, Ryan McMahon, and nearly every top prospect in the system. So when the Rockies selected Blake Wright it came as no surprise since his offensive game fits in the same criteria around swinging frequently.

In 2024 for Clemson, Wright batted .340 and hit out 22 home runs en route to being selected in the fourth round. After walking only 5.6% of the time in 2024, there is concern that Wright’s swing decisions will hold him back from having optimal results, though he makes a lot of contact, elevates the baseball, and possesses above average power. Wright will be an intriguing player to follow in 2025. 

Outfielders

Robert Calaz – Age 19 | BSB Rankings: 6 | Acquired: International Free Agent

When you think of Rockies top positional prospects Charlie Condon and Yanquiel Fernandez, the first thing that comes to mind is their mountainous power. 19-year-old Robert Calaz is in the same conversation as those two, in terms of having the most power in the system. After a 2023 DSL campaign where he hit seven home runs, Calaz was promoted to the ACL, and eventually Fresno where he ended the year with 12 home runs in only 62 games.

As a mere teenager, routinely hitting balls at or above 110 mph is otherworldly and makes Calaz one of the more tantalizing prospect under 20 years old–most collegiate players can’t even hit a ball that hard. There are concerns with his hit tool, and how he does not always have the most athletic or graceful movements. However, when you have power as big as Calaz’s that isn’t a big worry at this stage in his development. Calaz is looking to cement himself as a top three Rockies prospect by the end of 2025.

Yeiker Reyes – Age 19 | Acquired: International Free Agent

When talking about all-around baseball skills, Yeiker Reyes has one of the most rounded and versatile skillsets on this Fresno roster. Reyes has stolen over 50 bases the last two seasons combined, has a career batting average of .278, consistently barrels up pitches, and holds his own in the outfield. The left handed hitter has struggled with elevating the baseball, having never hit a professional home run. His power will be the bottom line for if he will ever be a top prospect. 2025 will be the year to see if Reyes can infuse more power into his game and emerge as a 5-tool prospect.

Felix Tena – Age 21 | Acquired: International Free Agent

2025 will be the second year in a row that Felix Tena will be with the Fresno Grizzlies. Last season Tena batted .249 with 6 home runs. Not eye popping numbers by any means, however, the second year Grizzly has a type of craftiness at the plate that enables himself to get on base. A combination of hustling 24/7, and putting the bat on the ball consistently helps himself get opportunities to score. His hit and power tools aren’t very projectable, but the way he plays the game transcends the box score and gives him the ability to impact the game when you least expect it. Tena looks to help the young Grizzlies roster in 2025.