Nick Feigl | @Nick_Feigl7 | December 5, 2023
Well it finally happened the Colorado Rockies lost 100 or more games for the 1st time in franchise history and boy was it one of those years. 5 Tommy John surgeries, 2 qualified hitters with an OPS over .760 and a pitching staff full of misfits, castoffs and rejects all leading to the worst season in Rockies history.
The Rockies still earned something. They earned a tie for the top odds in the MLB Draft Lottery. A’s, White Sox and the Rockies all shared an 18.5% chance at getting the number one pick. None of them got it.
The Guardians (2.0%), 9th highest chance at the first pick, earned the honors of the 1st pick in the 2024 Draft Pick. The Reds (0.9%) receive the 2nd pick and the Rockies ended up with the 3rd.
It is never to early to look at who the Rockies could possibly draft. Here are 4 names that the Rockies hope fall to them in that coveted 3rd spot
J.J Wetherholt – 2B/3B – WVU:
Wetherholt slashed .449/.517/.787 with 16 HR/24 2B/36 SB for West Virginia in 2023 and emerged as one of the top prospects for the 2024 draft. He can make contact at an elite rate (80%+ in ‘23) and has a lightning quick swing that allows him to hit any pitch, in any count. At the next level he’s likely a second or third baseman with an above average arm and fielding ability.
Travis Bazzana – 2B – Oregon State:
Bazzana, who grew up in Sydney, Australia might be the most interesting player in the ‘24 draft.
He slashed .374/.500.622 for the Beavers in 61 games and brings an elite combination of contact, speed and power. It’s a rare sight to see an Australian player with this kind of potential but much like Wetherholt, it’s a special player with a special toolset.
Chase Burns – RHP – Wake Forest:
A transfer from Tennessee, Burns was a preseason All-American in ‘23 after posting a 2.91 ERA as a freshman in 80 ⅓ IP the year prior. His ‘23 results were mixed with him starting in the rotation before being moved to the bullpen where he found success. He’s mainly a 2 pitch guy with a fastball that touches triple digits and an elite slider. He also has a changeup/curveball that he doesn’t use much. The likely ace of the Wake rotation in ‘24 it’ll be fun to see how their amazing pitching lab tinkers with his arsenal and makes him even better for this coming season.
Konnor Griffin – SS/OF – Jackson Prep HS:
The top HS player in this year’s draft and it’s not hard to see why he could be a top 5 pick. He’s 6-4 210 and has the tools to be an everyday corner outfielder with a good arm/speed combo. His swing isn’t complicated and it doesn’t need to be when he’s hitting the ball hard every at bat. It’s rare to see a player with this many tools be available at a premium position but that’s exactly the case here.
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