Eli Whitney | February 27, 2026
The first week of Rockies Spring Training Camp was about installation. New full-time manager Warren Schaeffer, a revamped coaching staff, and a roster built for speed and athleticism spent the opening days laying the foundation. Week two of Spring Training has been about evidence, and the power surge is impossible to ignore.
Over a four-day stretch from Monday to Thursday, the Rockies’ young core has delivered walk-offs, first home runs, multi-homer games, and enough offensive firepower to suggest something is taking shape.
Veen Sets the Tone
Monday’s 5-4 walk-off win over the White Sox felt like a breakthrough moment for Zac Veen. The 24-year-old outfielder, who got his first taste of the big leagues last season, launched a home run off a left-hander in a late-game situation – exactly the kind of moment the Rockies want to see young players embrace.
“First off, I want to say I’m blessed,” Veen said afterward. “Honestly, I just wanted to hit. I was very blessed to get an opportunity to get that at-bat, and I just wanted to make the most of it.”
For Veen, the home run was never just about him.
“I love all my teammates,” he said. “Super blessed to have all of them in my life. I’m just really blessed and excited to share this moment with them.”
Condon Arrives
One day later, it was top prospect Charlie Condon’s turn. In a 7–5 win over the Angels, Condon crushed his first Cactus League home run — a 449-foot shot that offered a glimpse of the power that has made him the organization’s most anticipated arrival.
“It feels good to put a good swing on the right pitch,” Condon said. “It’s fun to be out here with the guys, just getting after it together.”
He wasn’t finished. Thursday against the Giants, Condon went deep again- his second in three days- and finished 2-for-2 with a walk. For the spring, he’s raised his average to .600.
“I don’t feel like one either,” Condon said when asked why he didn’t look like a nervous first-timer. “It’s just good to get this experience against the best in this league. Sharing time in the locker room with these guys, getting settled as a group. Everybody can see we’re playing really good ball right now.”
Wednesday’s 14–7 win over the Cubs belonged to T.J. Rumfield. The first baseman, acquired from the Yankees system, launched two home runs during the offensive outburst — a performance Schaeffer called his “coming out party.”
Rumfields Breakout
“It was great to see T.J. go off like that today,” Schaeffer said. “I’ve seen good things out of him. He works hard, playing good defense.”
Rumfield won a Minor League Gold Glove with the Yankees, and that defensive foundation is part of what caught the Rockies’ attention. But the power display added another intriguing layer to his profile.
“He’s just a solid first baseman,” Schaeffer said. “Good range, good hands, picks the ball well. He’s going to show us what he’s got.”
Thursday, Rumfield homered again- his third in two days- and drew a walk. For a first base competition that was “completely wide open” when camp began, Rumfield is making a forceful case.
Schaeffer emphasized that the home runs, while exciting, aren’t the whole story.
“The walk was the point we remember most regarding the process,” Schaeffer said. “Stringing together those long at-bats, passing the baton- that’s team baseball. The homers are great. Don’t get me wrong, everybody knows that. But yes, the process is what we’re focused on.”
Ritter and Stevens Join the Party
Ryan Riter continued his impressive spring Thursday, launching his first home run in the 11-3 win over the Giants. A middle infielder by nature, Ritter got his second start in left field as well.
“I like watching Ritter out there (Left Field),” Schaeffer said. “He’s an athlete. It plays. Instant success. In the first game, he had an assist to Carrigg at the plate. It’s just fun watching him play and get better out there.”
Chad Stevens added a home run of his own on Thursday. The depth of the offensive production – up and down the lineup- has been a theme all week.
Moniak Returns, Tovar Stays Hot
The offensive fireworks weren’t limited to the prospects. Mickey Moniak, healthy after a delayed start to camp, led off Wednesday’s game with a home run- an encouraging sign for a player that the Rockies are counting on.
“It’s great to see Mick healthy,” Schaeffer said. “Especially jump on that first pitch he sees to lead off the game. That was fantastic.”
Ezequiel Tovar continued his strong spring with a three-run homer in the same game, adding to an already impressive camp for the Gold Glove shortstop.
Beck and Carrigg Flash Versatility
Jordan Beck made his presence felt from right field on Thursday, recording an assist to the plate. It’s a position he knows well.
“I played right field a whole lot before this, all through the minor leagues, all in college, too. I kind of played everywhere in the outfield. So it’s nothing too new, but I’m getting back used to it playing fully over there. I know I’ll start playing left here again pretty soon. It’s just getting comfortable playing both.”
Schaeffer has no concerns about Beck’s ability to handle multiple spots.
“He’s played there a long time in his life,” Schaeffer said. “Last year, he was used primarily in left field, but he’s going to have to play both this year. He’s got the arm for it. He’ll be fine over there.”
Cole Carrigg, preparing to play shortstop for Team Israel in the World Baseball Classic, had two hits Thursday and looks increasingly comfortable.
“I just think I’m in a better spot with what I’m trying to get out of this spring,” Carrigg said. “I feel more comfortable around the guys.”
Schaeffer sees a player playing free.
“He’s doing everything we’re asking him to, and he’s just letting it fly out there,” Schaeffer said. He’s a really, really good player.
Karros and the Go Zones
Kyle Karros delivered a triple on Thursday, but the conversation quickly turned to approach. The new hitting staff has emphasized “Go Zones”- specific areas where hitters look to attack- and Karros is buying in.
“It gives you a spot where you want to fire,” Karros said. “If you see it there, you go. If it’s not there, you do your best not to swing.”
The simplicity of the approach is by design, especially this early in camp.
“I don’t think it’s as much video work right now as it will be during the season,” he said. “We don’t have a whole lot on the pitchers. Spring Training reports allow you to keep it very simple.”
Pitching Progress
The position players grabbed the headlines, but the pitchers continued the process-oriented work that defined Week One.
Ryan Feltner made his spring debut Monday, working one inning and unveiling a cutter and a revamped sweeper alongside his existing arsenal. After an injury-plagued 2025 season, he’s focused on building a sustainable foundation.
“I felt good today,” Feltner said. “I think the more pitches you can throw in the zone, the better. It takes some pressure off you from a command standpoint.”
Chase Dollander threw two scoreless innings Tuesday, working on delivery adjustments and keeping the ball on the ground.
“It’s a great sign knowing that I can make adjustments on the fly in-game,” Dollander said. “I just need to throw Strike One.
Antonio Senzatela built up to three innings on Wednesday, mixing his new-look arsenal while preparing for the World Baseball Classic.
“Sinker was working really well today,” Senzatela said. “Sweeper, I threw some good ones, some bad ones. So far, it feels good out of hand.”
Valenta Bellozo delivered three solid innings Thursday against the Giants, allowing one run on two hits while striking out one.
The Thread That Ties It Together
If Week One was about hearing the message, Week Two has been about seeing it in action. The young players are producing. The veterans are leading. And the philosophies preached on the backfields are showing up in games. Jake McCarthy, who joined the Rockies in the offseason, put his finger on what’s building.
“I just think there’s a really good vibe in camp,” McCarthy said. “I think we’re all on the same page about where we want to get to. So we’re about a week in, and it’s been a great time.”
Schaeffer, in his first spring as manager, sees something taking shape.
“The culture matters right now, because it’s setting the stage for something bigger.”
Schaeffer talks about setting the stage for something bigger. So far this week, the young core has provided the script.
Written by Eli Whitney.
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