To say 2019 was a letdown for the Rockies would be an understatement. Injuries and under performances led to a subpar 79-83 record. Some of the under performances are now blocking the fruitful up-and-coming pitching talent. If Colorado can move some of their veterans, then 2020 could be a fun season to watch these youngsters grow.
10 Dequan Smith, 2B
2020 Age: 19 Drafted: HS--Opa-Lock, FL, 2017 (4th Round, 96th Overall), Rockies
ETA: 2023 Grade: C+
Smith has been an under the radar guy that Colorado has liked since being drafted. His ceiling isn’t very high, but he’s pretty advanced for just a 19 year old. He hit .291 with an .819 OPS at Single-A Modesto this past season and will be a definite candidate to see Double-A sometime during the 2020 season.
09 Tom Stalbans, LHP
2020 Age: 25 Drafted: HS--Bridgton, ME, 2013 (3rd Round, 83rd Overall), Braves
ETA: 2020 Grade: C+
Stalbans made great strides once he was converted to the bullpen. It’s likely to be a three-way battle with Ed Carias, Kevin Gallion, and Stalbans for the two lefty bullpen spots. While Stalbans is the least experienced of the group, he may have the best overall talent.
08 Brian Haugh, SS
2020 Age: 22 Drafted: LSU, 2018 (4th Round, 94th Overall), Rockies
ETA: 2021 Grade: C+
By this time next year Haugh could be pushing Nolan Arenedo for playing time. Haugh hit a combined .314 between Double-A and Triple-A while totaling 38 doubles. He isn’t likely to be a star player, but he’ll have the ability to be a solid player with a couple of more years of development.
07 Margo Lozano, RHP
2020 Age: 22 Drafted: HS--Puerto Rico, 2017 (2nd Round, 36th Overall), Rockies
ETA: 2021 Grade: B-
Over the past season Lozano finally started making the strides that Colorado had been looking for since drafting him two seasons ago. His future is probably as a #3 rotation starter with a very good curveball to compliment his low 90’s fastball. He received a late season promotion to Double-A Tulsa and it’s not out of reach to think he could end up in Colorado Springs by the end of 2020.
06 Justin Deery, RHP
2020 Age: 23 Drafted: HS--Hurffville, NJ, 2017 (1st Round, 6th Overall), Rockies
ETA: 2021 Grade: B-
2019 feels like another wasted year for Deery. His development seemed to cease to exist and he’s close to being a forgotten piece. Sure, he moves up on the list from last season, but that’s primarily by default and due to the fact that he still has some upside. 2020 is a definite make it our break it year for Deery.
05 Aaron Brand, 2B
2020 Age: 22 Drafted: Baylor, 2018 (1st Round, 22nd Overall), Rockies
ETA: 2021 Grade: B-
Brand put up some fantastic numbers at Double-A, but still struggled mightily in the field. That has some thinking his future will be at either left field or first base. Both positions should be open in a few years and if Brand can continue to hit the way he did during ’20, he’ll be a certain asset to the Rockies lineup down the road.
04 Brent Ruediger, RHP
2020 Age: 19 Drafted: HS--Branson, MO, 2018 (2nd Round, 39th Overall), Rockies
ETA: 2024 Grade: B
He’s still making the transition to starter, but with every new game started he looks more and more like he fits in that role. His superb control is echoed by has fantastic 1.91 BB/9 and he showed no problems going from Single-A (3.63 ERA) to Double-A (3.77 ERA) at just 18 years old. At, now, just 19 the sky’s the limit.
03 Hector Quiala, LHP
2020 Age: 24 Drafted: Tulane, 2018 (3rd Round, 83rd Overall), Tigers
ETA: 2020 Grade: B+
The Rockies may not have done anything in the 2019 draft, but Quiala is one of two prized prospects Colorado received for trading away their selections. Quiala will almost undoubtedly make the MLB club out of Spring Training where he’ll show off his great curveball, which is his go-to pitch. Whether he’s #2, 3, or 4 in the rotation he’ll be another great lefty to pair with Marty Frow.
02 Marty Frow, LHP
2020 Age: 24 Drafted: Ole Miss, 2016 (3rd Round, 64th Overall), Giants
ETA: 2020 Grade: B+
Frow is the real prize out of the Giants trade. Colorado figured he had the arm to mold into a starter and it paid of big time. He’s a great pitcher and is well-rounded in all three major skills. The one area for concern is his health, but if he can remain healthy, he should develop into a dominant pitcher for years to come.
01 Joseph Axmacher, RHP
2020 Age: 21 Drafted: HS--Pittston, PA (1st Round, 9th Overall), Rockies
ETA: 2022 Grade: A-
Get used to it. Axmacher is going to be at this #1 spot for a few more years. Like Frow, he should have MLB quality skills in all three major areas, but unlike Frow, there aren’t any injury concerns.
*Note: ETA = Full-Time In Majors (Not Initial Call-Up Date)*
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