Mac Lyons | @JMacLyons | April 5th, 2024

The Spokane Indians will return to action tonight with a roster that is as exciting as ever. Loaded with prospects that have fans rejoicing, Spokane’s roster currently has five of the Rockies Top 30 prospects and is bolstered by 16 returning players. Headlined by a one-two punch on the mound, Chase Dollander and Sean Sullivan find themselves suiting up in Indians uniforms for the first time, while Cole Carrigg and Dyan Jorge will also make their debuts at the High-A level. The roster is set and fans are ready to pile into the beautiful Avista Stadium once again, this time to see a new generation of future Rockies take the field.

Pitchers 

RHP Blake Adams 

2023 Stats (High-A): 0-2, 6.10 ERA, 38.1 IP, 9.9 BB%, 19.3 K%

2023 Stats (Single-A): 1-3, 2.60 ERA, 45.0 IP, 2.8 BB%, 30.1 K%

Adams was a 13th round draft pick of the Rockies in 2022. The former Kansas State Wildcat spent most of last season as a Fresno Grizzly before being brought up to Spokane. His numbers from his time in Fresno were very impressive, with an ERA of 2.60 across eight games and 45 IP, while he hardly walked anyone and managed to not allow a single home run. Adams also started eight games for the Indians, but his ERA shot up to 6.10 during his time there. Expect the righty and his low-90s fastball and solid changeup to mainstay Spokane’s starting rotation this season.

RHP Zach Agnos

2023 Stats (Single-A): 5-3, 2.06 ERA, 52.1 IP, 5.9 BB%, 30.8 K%

Agnos showed plenty of promise during his first year of professional baseball in 2023. After finishing his college career at East Carolina University, Agnos appeared in 47 games for the Grizzlies finishing with 27 SV (led MiLB) while managing to keep his ERA at 2.06. Agnos is an athlete. Up until 2022 with ECU, Agnos was batting for the team as well, and produced some admirable numbers in college. Agnos also made an appearance in the inaugural Spring Breakout game just weeks ago, giving up one hit and striking out two throughout one inning. Agnos is being cultivated for high pressure moments and will likely close games for Spokane.

RHP Tyler Ahearn 

2023 Stats (High-A): 1-3, 8.12 ERA, 37.2 IP, 12.0 BB%, 20.8 K% 

Ahearn, former Florida State Seminole and 20th-round draft pick of the Rox in 2021, is a relief pitcher with the ability to finish games. Ahearn showcased his ability to excel at this aspect of his pitching during 2022 while with Fresno. He kept his ERA with both Fresno and Spokane to 3.63 and 3.86 respectively, but struggled throughout 2023 with the Indians. Across 37.9 IP, Ahearn’s ERA was 8.12. The 6-foot-2 Ahearn has mid-90s velocity and a power slider, giving him a chance to excel with another year in the Northwest League.

RHP Luis Amoroso

2023 Stats (High-A): 5-1, 6.75 ERA, 57.1 IP, 6.9 BB%, 15.6 K%   

Out of Venezuela, Amoroso didn’t have the best 2023 campaign for Spokane. His numbers in 2022 with Fresno were better, especially across 45 games, as he had a 3.38 ERA with 68 K across 77.1 IP. With nearly the same sample size in 2023—20 less IP to be exact—Amoroso struggled out of the bullpen. His 6.75 ERA and 43 ER with only 41 SO may have been an anomaly for Amoroso, but he’s being given another opportunity in Spokane to prove what he can do, likely as one of the lower leverage relievers.

RHP Anderson Bido 

2023 Stats (High-A): 1-2, 5.60 ERA, 53.0 IP, 12.0 BB%, 20.8 K%  

Bido has been pitching in the Rockies organization since 2017. The Dominican’s numbers over those years haven’t been anything to revel about, with him set to start with Spokane for the third season in a row. Bido’s ERA jumped from 4.50 to 5.60 between 2022 and 2023. Bido strikes a fair share of batters out, limits walks, and has closer experience, but will he make the next jump up to Hartford?

RHP Brayan Castillo 

2023 Stats (High-A): 2-6, 6.21 ERA, 62.1 IP, 15.5 BB%, 19.6 K%  

Like Amoroso and Bido, Castillo has been pitching with the Rockies organization for some time now—since 2018 to be exact. Castillo, regarded as a hard-thrower with big time stuff, was utilized as a starter and reliever with Spokane during the 2023, and while his numbers weren’t anything to marvel at, his time in the Puerto Rican Winter League offers intrigue. Across 16.2 IP, Castillo had an ERA of 0.54 (1 ER) with 10 BB and 16 K. Castillo will likely spend plenty of time in Spokane as a reliever this year, so let’s hope he can bring some of his Winter League success along with him. 

RHP Chase Dollander

2023 Stats (NCAA): 7-6, 4.75 ERA, 89.0 IP, 7.8 BB%, 31.2 K%  

The entirety of Rockies fandom knows about Chase Dollander. The 9th overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft picked up an SEC Pitcher of the Year in 2022 before turning in a 7-6 record, 4.75 ERA, and 31.3 K% rate in 2023–a noticeable step back from his elite 2022 season. His arsenal includes a fastball that hovers in the mid-90s, a slider, curveball, and change-up. While the righty’s draft stock dropped after his stellar sophomore year, this likely allowed the Rockies to sweep in and buy low, as he’s now the second overall rated prospect in the Rockies system. The Rockies made a point of emphasis to clean up peculiar adjustments Dollander made in 2023, promising production closer to 2022 than 2023. Dollander brings hope to a Rockies organization that is in desperate need of high-end pitching prospects, and will begin his professional career in the Northwest League, with a promotion to Hartford well within reach.

LHP Mason Green

2023 Stats (High-A): 1-3, 5.52 ERA, 73.1 IP, 14.5 BB%, 23.3 K%  

Like many pitchers on this roster, Mason Green was used in a variety of different scenarios during 2023, his first full season with the Indians. Green earned a promotion from Fresno to Spokane during 2022 and started nine games where his ERA finished at 6.75. In 2023, Green again started nine games and made 26 total appearances over the span of 73.1 IP with his ERA dropping to 5.52. There’s a reason the Rockies drafted Green. He had an all-time Division II career, especially his final season at Central Missouri where he went 16-0 in the win column. If Green can prevent runs down, he’ll provide for Spokane and eventually Hartford as well.

RHP Braxton Hyde 

2023 Stats (Single-A): 3-2, 5.22 ERA, 50.0 IP, 8.6 BB%, 19.0 K% 

Hyde left Butler Community College after being selected in the 14th round in 2022. Hyde’s numbers at Butler were impressive, especially considering his 98 strikeouts over 73 IP. With Fresno, Hyde’s number suffered a bit. Appearing in 37 games, with 50 IP, and an ERA of 5.22, Hyde lost that same strike out touch. Still, as a JUCO product, he deserves some patience. The big right-hander certainly has the power, but can he find the command and dominance that he showcased at Butler?

RHP Victor Juarez 

2023 Stats (High-A): 6-6, 6.38 ERA, 91.2 IP, 8.4 BB%, 22.5 K%   

Keep an eye on Juarez for the 2024 season. Juarez is incredibly young for someone who just finished their first full season at High-A. Hailing from Monterrey, Mexico, Juarez is an interesting player based off of his age and his ability to be used on a consistent basis, which is typically not the case for Rockies pitchers. Juarez isn’t a power pitcher, but he’s garnered a reputation for having advanced command. His 6.38 ERA over the span of 91.2 IP definitely needs to drop, but having pitched the first half of the season at 19, it’s safe to say Juarez will be one name to look out for throughout the 2024 campaign.  

RHP Davis Palermo

2023 Stats (Single-A): 1-3, 4.36 ERA, 43.1 IP, 10.5 BB%, 25.7 K% 

While Palermo finds himself in the role of relief pitcher, his deeper arsenal and ability to hit the upper-90s is a somewhat atypical combo. So far though, issues with control have troubled Palermo, especially during his 2023 season with Fresno. Palermo appeared in 38 games and had a 4.36 ERA along with 49 K to 20 BB. The Grizzlies saw a bit of both worlds with Palermo, the good and the bad. A higher rate of walks along with nine HBP and 13 WP but also great power and strikeout stuff. Palermo will look to reign in his stuff as he quests to become a legit relief prospect for the Rockies.

LHP Felix Ramires

2023 Stats (High-A): 0-0, 8.68 ERA, 18.2 IP, 11.0 BB%, 24.2 K% 

2023 Stats (Single-A): 1-0, 0.50 ERA, 36.0 IP, 7.4 BB%, 30.1 K% 

Ramires had a busy 2023, pitching for Fresno, Spokane, and also in the Puerto Rican Winter League. Ramires found tons of success in Fresno, but struggled during his time in Spokane. His 0.50 ERA across 36 IP with the Grizzlies ballooned to 8.68 during 18.2 IP with the Indians. There is strikeout ability with Ramires’ arsenal but when runs score, they pour. With more experience, Ramires will be worth keeping an eye on as a strikeout lefty.

RHP Sergio Sanchez 

2023 Stats (Single-A): 3-1, 3.50 ERA, 61.2 IP, 13.2 BB%, 28.3 K% 

Since beginning in Fresno during the 2022 season, Sergio Sanchez has continued to improve in his relief role. His 4.22 ERA in 2022 dropped to a 3.50 in 2023, while his K% rate rose from 23.8% to 28.3%. Even though Sanchez saw less time on the mound in 2023 than he did in 2022, clearly Sanchez is working on quality over the quantity of outings and an improvement in velocity is helping his ability to fan batters at a higher rate. The walks are concerning but Sanchez has a chance to be a key bullpen piece in Spokane.

LHP Carson Skipper

2023 Stats (Single-A): 1-2, 3.20 ERA, 50.2 IP, 4.7 BB%, 30.4 K% 

Selected in the 11th round out of Auburn in 2022, Skipper had an impressive 2023 season. In his relief role, Skipper limited damage and posted the best strikeout to walk ratio in the organization (40+ IP), across 42 appearances. It’s obvious Skipper has some quality stuff between his slider and changeup. Already 24 and a half, Skipper may feel the pressure of time, but with a solid start to the year, he could end up in Hartford’s bullpen in due time. This is one of the more underrated and promising relief prospects in the system.

RHP Connor Staine

2023 Stats (Single-A): 10-5, 5.25 ERA, 94.1 IP, 6.7 BB%, 22.2 K% 

Another piece of Fresno’s 2023 starting rotation, Staine’s 10-5 record was dampened a bit by his 5.25 ERA. His 22.2 K% could use some improvement as he continues to be a key prospect, especially given the pure quality of his stuff. Coming into the pros, there was hope Staine could continue adding velocity; if he does, there’s a ton of promise here. The Central Florida product was an admirable starter for Fresno, but at 6-foot-4 and 200 lbs, can Staine add the power needed to take him to the next level? If he continues to limit free passes, he doesn’t need too much more.

LHP Sean Sullivan 

2023 Stats (NCAA): 5-3, 2.45 ERA, 69.2 IP, 7.5 BB%, 39.8 K% 

The Rockies second-round draft pick in 2023, Sullivan finished his impressive stint at Wake Forest and quickly got a chance in Fresno, where he made a pair of appearances. Sullivan struck out all six batters that he faced for the Grizzlies, adding to the other four he struck out in another two IP during two games in the ACL previously. Sullivan shredded the competition in college, posting a 2.45 ERA and 39.8 K% across 69.2 IP. Clearly, the lefty has an insane amount of talent, and potential that Rockies fans should keep an eye on. The still slim 6-foot-4 Sullivan has mass to add which could help his low-90s fastall tick up, but with Sullivan’s low slot and ability to extend towards the plate, he doesn’t need much more velo. Sullivan is due to give up his first hit as a member of the Rockies organization, but he should remain dominant for a Spokane starting rotation loaded with talent. 

RHP Carlos Torres 

2023 Stats (Single-A): 6-1, 3.50 ERA, 61.2 IP, 8.0 BB%, 20.5 K% 

Torres, a righty out of Puerto Rico, delivered some very good outings for the Grizzlies during the 2023 season. With a 6-1 record across 43 games and a 3.50 ERA, Torres proved that he was a reliable arm out of the bullpen. The former 20th round pick was drafted for his quality fastball and his ability to spin a breaking ball; both of which showed up in the pros. Torres adds depth to a promising bullpen and could emerge as one of the better relievers in Spokane.

Catchers

Jesus Ordonez 

2023 Stats (High-A): 62 PA, .232 BA, .283 OBP, 1 HR, 10 RBI. 6.5 BB%, 27.4 K% 

2023 Stats (Single-A): 121 PA, .217 BA, .300 OBP, 0 HR, 16 RBI, 9.1 BB%, 17.4 K% 

Ordonez saw plenty of action throughout 2023 with Fresno and Spokane, and the catcher seems to be ready for the full-time promotion to High-A ball, especially after a 3 for 4 debut with Spokane. Ordonez finished the season with a .232 BA across 56 AB with Spokane, so a full season of producing there would be an accomplishment for the 2019 international signing out of Venezuela. With two (three? @ Carrigg) catchers on the roster, Ordonez won’t get a ton of playing time.

Bryan Betancourt

2023 Stats (Single-A): 450 PA, .244 BA, .335 OBP, 4 HR, 57 RBI, 9.6 BB%, 16.4 K% 

Betancourt is the youngest player on Spokane’s roster but already has an entire season of experience with Fresno under his belt. Coming into 2023, Betancourt was tabbed as a breakout prospect and while he didn’t quite breakout, it was a solid year for Betancourt. In his first season with a full-season affiliate, Betancourt hit well for someone with his youth and lack of experience. His 57 RBI were the fourth most on the Fresno roster, while he managed to keep a modest 16.4 K%. The Rockies want Betancourt to develop, as he clearly has excellent awareness at the plate. While he split time between C and 1B with Fresno, depending on where the Indians place Carrigg, expect to see plenty of Betancourt, wherever he may be on the field.

Jose Cordova

2023 Stats (AA): 22 PA, .211 BA, .318 OBP, 0 HR, 1 RBI, 4.5 BB%, 27.3 K% 

2023 Stats (High-A): 16 PA, .267 BA, .313 OBP, 0 HR, 3 RBI, 6.3 BB%, 37.5 K% 

The third piece of what’s set to be the Venezuelan backstop trio for Spokane, Cordova has journeyed through every level of the Rockies minor league organizations. 2023 saw Cordova touch AAA (5 PAs), AA, and High-A, though the catcher seldom saw regular playing time. It seems the Rockies like Cordova’s ability to call a game, but he seems locked into a filler role to keep Ordonez and Betancourt fresh.

Infielders 

Parker Kelly 

2023 Stats (High-A): 82 PA, .217 BA, .342 OBP, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 12.8 BB%, 37.7 K% 

2023 Stats (Single-A): 273 PA, .235 BA, .352 OBP, 3 HR, 23 RBI, 13.4 BB%, 39.0 K% 

Parker Kelly’s first full season of professional baseball saw him graduate from Single-A to High-A Spokane after posting a .235 BA, 3 HR, 23 RBI, and a .708 OPS across 273 PA. Kelly is a bit of a utility-man who spent his time at every position around the outfield and infield besides 2B and SS. Kelly has proven to be a quality at-bat but many of them end in strikeouts. Kelly is one of the few logical options to get time at 1B for Spokane and a repeat of the High-A level may give his bat a chance to make strides.

Dyan Jorge

2023 Stats (Single-A): 215 PA, .283 BA, .322 OBP, 0 HR, 22 RBI, 10 SB, 6.0 BB%, 16.3 K%

2023 Stats (ACL): 94 PA, .370 BA, .495 OBP, 3 HR, 18 RBI, 9 SB, 20.2 BB%, 12.8 K%

The seventh overall prospect in the Rockies system, Dyan Jorge will start his season playing SS for Spokane after earning himself a promotion from Fresno. Prior to getting the push to Fresno, Jorge dominated the Arizona Complex League. During his time as a Grizzly, Jorge wasn’t quite as sharp as he was a level below, but he still had a .283 BA, .322 OBP, and .661 OPS across 215 PA. The Rockies are extremely high on Jorge, especially because of his approach which most likely stems from his maturity having played for the Cuban National team and taking a little extra time to debut in the pros. The Rockies want to see Jorge add more strength to fill out his long, 6-foot-3 frame, but given the fact that he isn’t expected to make his MLB debut until at least 2026, the long game is clearly being played here. Expect plenty of highlights from Jorge out of Spokane this summer.

Jean Perez 

2023 Stats (High-A): 36 PA, .333 BA, .389 OBP, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 5.6 BB%, 22.2 K%

2023 Stats (Single-A): 122 PA, .183 BA, .223 OBP, 3 HR, 10 RBI, 3.3 BB%, 25.4 K%

Perez was used across the infield during his time with Fresno and Spokane during 2023. Surprisingly though, Perez struggled at the plate in Single-A with Fresno, but still managed to earn his promotion to Spokane in late August. With a .183 BA, 3 HR, 10 RBI, and a .223 OBP across 122 PA with Fresno, Perez didn’t stand out as an obvious promotion candidate but his glove plays. Perez doesn’t have a ton of power, but at 21-years-old, he’s young and has ample time to grow his game. Here’s to hoping 2024 will be a year of growth for Perez.

Cole Carrigg

2023 Stats (Single-A): 101 PA, .326 BA, .376 OBP, 3 HR, 16 RBI, 7.0 BB%, 19.8 K%

2023 Stats (ACL): 57 PA, .326 BA, .376 OBP, 3 HR, 16 RBI, 10.5 BB%, 22.8 K%

2023 Stats (NCAA): 174 PA, .303 BA, .357 OBP, 2 HR, 27 RBI, 5.2 BB%, 12.6 K%

Carrigg is being touted as the man who will serve as the offensive mainstay for Spokane throughout the 2024 season, and the hype is certainly real. Throughout his time with Fresno and the Rockies in the ACL, Carrigg’s BA was .350. He also added 13 steals and 5 homers, proving he can contribute in the power department and with his speed. A second round pick of the Rockies in the 2023 draft, Carrigg’s numbers have earned him the promotion to High-A. Fans alike are hoping for more production to build on his confidence at the plate, as the rest of his toolbox is set; Carrigg is ultra fast, has a cannon of an arm, and can play all around the diamond. However, it remains a mystery exactly where he will play defensively. Spokane’s official roster release had him listed as an infielder, while the MiLB roster has him listed as a catcher. Chances are Carrigg plays some shortstop, centerfield, and catcher, but the Rockies may also opt to refine him at one or two of those spots.

Kyle Karros 

2023 Stats (Single-A): 96 PA, .259 BA, .365 OBP, 0 HR, 6 RBI, 12.5 BB%, 17.7 K%

2023 Stats (ACL): 60 PA, .327 BA, .450 OBP, 0 HR, 11 RBI, 16.6 BB%, 13.3 K%

2023 Stats (NCAA): 199 PA, .284 BA, .372 OBP, 5 HR, 34 RBI, 11.3 BB%, 17.5 K%

Another 2023 draftee who successfully graduated from Fresno, Karros finds himself suiting up for Spokane after impressive first year offensive performances in the ACL and in Single-A, all on the heels of a decent year at UCLA, where he battled injuries. The third-baseman had a .259 BA during 96 PA while in Fresno, after a stretch in the ACL where he looked like a premium hitter. Karros figures to be a key piece of the offense Spokane has put together for the 2024 season, but he’ll also help defensively throughout the infield as well, just like he did at UCLA where he was named to the 2022 Pac-12 All-Defensive Team. Karros has the pedigree, both literally as the son of Eric Karros and as an early round pick of the Rockies, to find immense success in his first full season as a pro.

Outfielders 

Juan Guerrero 

2023 Stats (High-A): 488 PA, .256 BA, .314 OBP, 6 HR, 59 RBI, 6.6 BB%, 14.3 K%

Guerrero has produced at every professional level for the Rockies organization so far. He earned his promotion from Fresno in 2022 after slashing a .274 BA with 14 HR and 89 RBI during his first full season. In 2023, with Spokane, Guerrero’s numbers dipped a little, resulting in .256 BA, 6 HR, and 59 RBI. Guerrero’s wRC+ dropped 10 points from 97 to 87. The contact oriented Guerrero, still just 22-years-old, will benefit from another round in Spokane as he looks to get his offensive output above average again and hopefully grow into more power. After his 2023 season, some of the prospect flare around Guerrero dissipated but the outfielder has enough talent to reemerge as a potential future big leaguer.

Robby Martin Jr.

2023 Stats (High-A): 148 PA, .265 BA, .324 OBP, 2 HR, 16 RBI, 6.7 BB%, 26.3 K%

2023 Stats (Single-A): 196 PA, .265 BA, .316 OBP, 5 HR, 26 RBI, 7.1 BB%, 19.4 K%

Robby Martin Jr. split time between Fresno and Spokane during 2023 after spending the majority of the 2022 season with the Indians, where he struggled at the plate. However, his time with both teams allowed the outfielder to work on his issues, lowering the 30.4 K% he had with Spokane in 2022 to a 26.3 K% in 2023. While the strikeouts are still not at a level any player would want, consistency is the key for Martin Jr., especially when Spokane’s roster has only become more talented. Like Guerrero, seeing this level again gives Martin a chance to propel himself into the upper minors once and for all.

Trevor Boone 

2023 Stats (AAA): 175 PA, .238 BA, .326 OBP, 4 HR, 25 RBI, 10.2 BB%, 40.5 K%

Boone is the oldest player on the Indians’ roster and is returning to Spokane after spending 2023 with the Isotopes. You might be wondering how a player could go from Triple-A to High-A, but much of that lies in the way minor league rosters are put together. Respectfully, plenty of minor leaguers aren’t valued by their parent MLB organizations like notable prospects and they need players to fill gaps on certain rosters. Boone has always had power in his bat and could be a solid role player for this Indians roster.

Braiden Ward

2023 Stats (High-A): 279 PA, .265 BA, .402 OBP, 1 HR, 16 RBI, 9.7 BB%, 19.7 K%

A Northwest native, Ward will play for Spokane once again in 2024. There hasn’t been a ton of improvement since Ward began his professional career in 2022, a season where he earned a promotion to High-A after starting out with Fresno to excellent results. Ward brings a ton of speed to the lineup. His 44 SB were the most on the Indians roster by a country mile. His bat isn’t anything to write home about–the slim 5-foot-10 outfielder isn’t a slugger by nature–but Ward’s speed and ability to play scrappily in centerfield will earn him playing time. 

Jesus Bugarin

2023 Stats (Single-A): 477 PA, .262 BA, .282 OBP, 10 HR, 66 RBI, 2.3 BB%, 26.8 K%

Bugarin will find himself in Spokane for the first time in his career, and the promotion was well-earned. Bugarin saw the most action out of any other Grizzly in 2023, and his 66 RBI were second-most on the team. His 26.8 K% is on the high side, especially given the number of plate appearances he had and his below average OBP. The Rockies see athleticism and offensive potential in Bugarin, so while he may be a bit of a project this season, upside is always worth a gamble.

Spokane will finally be televised on MiLB.TV and this is the ideal roster to debut such an opportunity. With a blend of top prospects and minor league veterans, this club has the talent and experience to make a run in the Northwest League.

Of course, keep an eye on prized pitching prospects Chase Dollander and Sean Sullivan; it’s not likely they’ll both be in Spokane for long. On the other side, Cole Carrigg brings one of the most unique profiles to minor league baseball and has all the talent needed to push for Top 100 lists. Dyan Jorge, Kyle Karros, Bryant Betancourt, and Juan Guerrero figure to provide a bulk of the firepower otherwise.