It’s been awhile since we’ve done this. Since the last top ten was released only four players from the list remain with the Rockies (Tom Stalbans, Aaron Brand, Brent Ruediger, and Joesph Axmacher). Out of that group the star at the moment is Brand who currently has a .924 OPS in what’s amounted to one and a third of season’s worth of games. Stalbans, like his name may suggest, has stalled out a bit. He’s seen action in every season since ’20, but doesn’t look like much more than an injury call-up. Axmacher showed last year he’s major league quality with only an 0.49 HR/9, but after an injury in Spring Training he’s been slow to regain his form. Ruediger may wind up the best of the group. He might not strikeout many batters, but he has exceptionally good control and has gotten off to a solid start in 2024. The new top ten don’t have any players with “superstar” written on them, but there are many players who have high floors that are safe bets to reach the majors and be solid major league players. So what does the new group have to offer?
10 Phil McMullin, 3B
2024 Age: 20 Drafted: HS--Enid, OK, 2023 (1st Round, 18th Overall), Rockies
ETA: 2028 Grade: C+
Colorado’s first round pick last year was a disappointment to say the least. He looked good on draft day and didn’t perform too bad during his first half season in the system, but he didn’t progress the way the Rockies had hoped. The good news is even as a right-handed, he hits righties just as good as he hits lefties. The worst case scenario has him on the bench with his slick fielding skills.
09 Ian Huggins, RHP
2024 Age: 23 Drafted: HS--Miami, FL, 2018 (4th Round, 119th Overall), Yankees
ETA: 2025 Grade: C+
The Rockies have had their eye on Huggins ever since the Reds picked him up. After many attempts Reds GM JPS finally let go of the starting pitcher. Huggins isn’t an imposing talent, but he projects to have three MLB quality pitches and has been a low home run pitcher during his minor league career (something needed to pitch in Coors). While he’s not going to headline a rotation, he can very well become a #4/5 starter who’ll exceed a lot of expectations.
08 Dan Turkenkopf, C
2024 Age: 20 Drafted: HS--Lanett, AL, 2021 (6th Round, 160th Overall), White Sox
ETA: 2027 Grade: B-
Just acquired prior to Opening Day, the Rockies are hoping either Turkenkopf or Frank Anderson can develop into Gabriel Gamora’s heir apparent. Turk does have some holes that are a concern; hitting for average and fielding. If he can improve upon those areas worthy of the majors, he’ll be a good one. He already has a solid arm and plate discipline for his age and he’s also a switch hitter.
07 Margo Alvarez, SS
2024 Age: 19 Drafted: HS--Caracas, Venezuela, 2021 (2nd Round, 41st Overall), Rockies
ETA: 2028 Grade: B-
Alvarez has been a favorite of GM Matty Nokes since he was drafted as a 16 year old back in ’21. He is still very raw in many areas, but he had a very nice season at Single-A Modesto last season. Though even with the good numbers, Colorado is taking is slow with him and he’ll return for a second season. He’ll certainly be an interesting prospect to watch over the next few years.
06 Jason Wilborn, CF
2024 Age: 22 Drafted: Fresno State University, 2023 (1st Round, 27th Overall), Rockies
ETA: 2026 Grade: B-
Colorado traded a pair of second rounders and cash to move up to Houston's spot to select Wilborn last season. Wilborn has a good eye and should develop his power to become an OPS threat. The downside is his fielding. Overall, it’s subpar and a position change to one of the corners may be needed. But his upside should carry him to becoming a quality major leaguer.
05 Charles Bickford, 1B
2024 Age: 23 Drafted: University of North Carolina, 2021 (1st Round, 11th Overall), Rockies
ETA: 2025 Grade: B
In addition to playing first base, Bickford can also play the outfield. It’s true he hasn’t developed as expected, but he can still become starter material. He does have solid power and should walk at a high rate. Scouts knock his contact ability, but the Rockies think he’ll out hit the expectations. Bickford does strikeout a lot which leads to a lower contact grade, but should still hit for a decent average.
04 Dave McGreenan, 2B
2024 Age: 20 Drafted: HS--West Salem, OH, 2023 (1st Round, 25th Overall), Astros
ETA: 2028 Grade: B
McGreenan was one of the prizes from the Chitty-Duarez deal. He’s one of the three middle infielders on this list and has the highest potential of the infielders. He may be in need of a position change in the future with his poor range, but he does have good speed and his hitting skills look good for a player his age. With a full season, McGreenan will have a chance to really show his skills off.
03 Jason Barker, 2B
2024 Age: 21 Drafted: HS--Philadelphia, PA, 2020 (2nd Round, 45th Overall), Rockies
ETA: 2026 Grade: B
Barker has turned into a nice find in the middle of the second round. He’s impressed since being drafted with putting up good numbers at each level. The Rockies would like to see him walk a little more and further improvement on his fielding, but with another season of development he should become the starting second baseman, moving Aaron Brand to left field.
02 Paul Landreau, RHP
2024 Age: 22 Drafted: University of North Carolina, 2022 (3rd Round, 67th Overall), Red Sox
ETA: 2025 Grade: B
A college teammate of Charles Bickford, Landreau would be #1 on this list if he wasn’t a reliever. But he is and what a good one he’s shaping into. His Triple-A stats this year are phenomenal (0.45 ERA, 9.9 K/9) and he might be ready for the majors right now. For now a current rookie, Aaron Greer, is doing well as a closer and it’s likely Colorado won’t bring Landreau up unless he’s closing. With a 95 MPH fastball and an above average slider, he looks the part of a quality closer.
01 Jason Pool, LHP
2024 Age: 24 Drafted: University of Florida, 2021 (5th Round, 126th Overall), Angels
ETA: 2025 Grade: B+
He’s the final piece to a young, resurgent rotation. To some Pool might not look that good, but Colorado acquired him from Detroit since he had shown to be a low home run pitcher and was a candidate to convert to starter. So far he’s had a nice transition and has a solid repertoire. He might get a call-up at some point this season, but he won’t be up full-time until next season.
*Note: ETA = Full-Time In Majors (Not Initial Call-Up Date)*
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