Colorado Rockies: Who Are The 2022 Top Prospects?
I don’t have much faith in the Colorado Rockies organization to develop prospects. With that being said, the organization has some truly can’t miss talent at the top of their farm system. It would be a truly epic collapse if the organization does not capitalize on this wealth of talent. In my eyes, the farm system is very top-loaded. There are some players worth keeping an eye on. There are also some who I believe are far too overhyped. The pitching in the system is very poor. Despite some evaluators having belief in Ryan Rolison, I’m far from convinced he’s going to be a stud pitcher.
Rockies Top-5 Prospects
Zac Veen
Like most teams, there is a clearly defined top prospect in the system. Veen is that player for the Rockies. He has superstar written all over him. At Lo-A Fresno, Veen hit .303 with 15 HRs. In addition, he stole 36 bases. The high SB totals could be a bit of a mirage as the Lo-A had some outlandish totals this past season. The power is not a mirage. Veen will absolutely crush baseballs at Coors Field. He does need to cut down on the strikeouts (26% K/9). Veen also has a knack for chasing pitches. I saw him during a game in San Jose. Veen did indeed chase, however, he did come through with the clutch hit in extras to give the Grizzlies the win. He’s got that star potential that the Rockies are looking for.
Drew Romo
I should put Benny Montgomery ahead of Drew Romo. In all transparency, I feel Romo is the best catching prospect in baseball. He’s not the best offensively (yet), however, his defensive skills are on par with the best in the minor leagues (caught 35% of base stealers). Romo also has some very solid bat speed, leading many to believe the power will come once he makes consistent contact. The thought when he got drafted was that the bat would fall way behind the plate skills. It feels, slowly but surely, the bat will indeed be much more advanced than originally thought.
Benny Montgomery
I like Benny Montgomery quite a bit. He’s the centerfielder of the future for the Rockies. Montgomery, like Veen, was a multi-tooled HS outfielder when drafted. Montgomery, IMO, will be a more consistent stolen base threat in Colorado than Veen. Veen will hit for more power; Montgomery seems to be the more athletic of the two. I’d like to see Montgomery in affiliated ball (which we will this season) before making any bold claims to him.
More MLB: Giants Top 5 Prospects
Ezequiel Tovar
I’m higher on most when it comes to Tovar. He produced some absolutely ridiculous numbers at Lo-A Fresno (.510 SLG and 11 HR’s). While he struggled somewhat in Hi-A Spokane, Tovar still slugged .400. The calling card on Tovar has always been his speed (which ranges from 60-65 depending on who you ask). The power was a welcome surprise to many. It’s unlikely Tovar becomes a true power hitter in the majors, but that addition of just that little pop in his bat has me just a bit more excited about his future.
Elehuris Montero
Montero has a lot of raw power. Montero makes consistent contact with the ball. Montero doesn’t walk and swings at most pitches. He’s your prototypical power hitter. Montero will play half his games at Coors. With his ability to crush the ball, that’s a potential 35+ HR player. I feel a lot of other prospects bring more to the table, however, the power is hard to ignore.
Just Missed The Top-5
Adael Amador
I love the intrigue behind the international players. Amador is my 2nd favorite first-year affiliated ball SS prospect outside of the Giants, Aeverson Arteaga. Amador has great plate discipline. He walked just as much as he struck out in the complex league. He showcased some pop in his bat and also swiped some bases. I believe he’s the best defensive SS in the Rockies system. If he can prove that he’s up for the Lo-A challenge, I’ll have him in the Top-5 for Colorado.
Image Source: Fresno Grizzles
Daniel is a guru of baseball and basketball prospects. He’s a very experienced Amusement Park traveler as well. Follow him and his hot takes on Insta @dgentleman9288
