Heading into the 2024 campaign, the Rockies minor league pitching depth was under the microscope. After focusing on pitching in the previous two drafts, positive results are being recorded throughout the organization’s system, in particular the lower levels. Fueled by the Rockies 2023 first round pick, right-hand pitcher Chase Dollander, and a pair lefties, Sean Sullivan and Carson Palmquist, positive vibes abound on the bump for numerous Rockies pitching prospects. For good measure, the High-A Spokane Indians captured the first half title in the Northwest League, and the Single-A Fresno Grizzlies and Double-A Hartford Yard Goats are both above .500. All positive signs for the pitching and Rockies prospects in general.
*Statistics as of Sunday, June 16, 2024
Top Name
Chase Dollander, RHP, 22, High-A
The Rockies have employed a plan a patience with Dollander, and thus far all is rolling along according to plan in High-A. In two starts this June, the right-hander has logged 11.2 IP, allowing no runs, and striking out 18. For the season: 78 K’s, 22 BB, 1.20 WHIP, and a 2.65 ERA. My take: Dollander might be a frontline starter, however he could be a lights-out, dominating All-Star caliber closer.
Next on the List
Sean Sullivan, LHP, 21, High-A
The long, deceptive lefty has simply been dealing for Spokane. A pair of eye-popping stats. On the road, Sullivan has been extremely tough, pitching to a 1.01 ERA and .067 WHIP. On the season, the 6-4 2023 second round pick has fanned 72 while walking a mere 5 batters.
Carson Palmquist, LHP, 23, Double-A
Palmquist has pitched solidly in AA. Interestingly, the former Miami Hurricane has fared better at home in Dunkin’ Park, pitching to a sub 2.00 ERA. On the season, Palmquist has pitched to 3.02 ERA and 1.23 WHIP.
Solid Players to Watch
Gabriel Hughes, RHP, 21, Double-A
The right-handed Hughes was one of a trio of Colorado’s top pitching prospects to require surgery in 2023. The quality and depth of the Rockies pitching strengthens if the former 2023 first round selection out of Gonzaga can regain his pre-injury form.
Angel Chivilli, RHP, 21, MLB
Unlike Dollander, the Rockies moved the young right-hander quickly, albeit perhaps too quickly, to the big league level. Chivilli was one of the first Rockies prospect to catch my eye two seasons ago in Fresno. My take: with his strikeout ability (10.3 SO/9 IP), I envision an impactful set-up reliever at the major league level.
Jaden Hill, RHP, 23, Double-A
The Rockies have their proverbial fingers crossed that Hill puts it all together out of the pen. The tall righty has shown some positive signs, closing out 4 of 5 save opportunities, and striking out 35 in 22+ innings. My take: Hill would be an ideal opener. Allow Hill to have the same pregame routine, and let him go.
Jake Madden, RHP, 21, Single-A
Talented right-hander who may have found his niche coming out of the pen? A former 4th round pick of the Angels, Madden currently resides on the injured list.
Mason Albright, LHP, 21, Double-A
Another former Angels draft pick, Albright scuffled in April-since then, the 21-year old right hander has been dialed in. His June numbers: 17.1 IP, 13 K, 7 BB, 2.08 ERA, 1.15 WHIP.
Jack Mahoney, RHP/1B, 22, Single-A
The Single-A California league leader in innings pitched; the 2023 3rd pick earned Pitcher of the Week Honors in April. A two-way player in college, Mahoney has pitched to a 3.67 ERA and WHIP of 1.19
Jordy Vargas, RHP, 20, Single-A
The second top-ranking pitcher to require surgery in 2023, the 20-year old from the Dominican Republic was a highly regarded prospect prior to his injury. The young righty has pitched to a WHIP of 1.09 in 150 minor league innings.
Deeper Sleepers
Jarrod Cande, RHP, 24, Double-A
Durable, athletic, innings eater. Pitched over 100 innings a year ago. Currently Cande sits at 58 IP, 4.19 ERA. Think Quality Start (6 IP, 3 ER or less) when Cande takes the hill.
Victor Juarez, RHP, 21, High-A
Highly regarded 21-year old prospect from Mexico. Thus far in 2024, 3.26 ERA in High-A.
Zach Agnos, RHP, 22, High-A
Agnos, a former 2022 10th round pick from East Carolina, has notched 36 career saves in 41 opportunities; can you an organization ever have too many closers? My Take: No they cannot!
Jackson Cox, RHP, 19, Single-A
The 50th overall selection in the 2022 draft. Cox is the third high profile Rockies prospect to undergo the Tommy John procedure in 2023.
Other Names of Note
Jace Kaminska, RHP, 22, Single-A
The 2023 10 rd. selection was dominant in May, posting 1.16 ERA. The 6-2, 235 pd. right-handed pitcher is not afraid to pitch inside, and bears down with runners in scoring position. Impressive mound presence, and part of an impressive draft class.
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Isaiah Coupet, LHP, 21, Single-A
Talented left-handed pitcher known for this break ball and spin rate. The former Ohio State Buckeye is limiting left-handed hitting opponents to a paltry .165 BAA. Coupet was recently named California League Pitcher of the Week (June 10-16) and made our Prospects1500 Prospects of the Week column.
Welinton Herrera, LHP, 20, Single-A
Along with Kaminska, Herrera was named the Rockies Organizations’ pitcher of the month in May. After a couple of rough outings early, Hererra has been dominant out of the pen. The 20-year has amassed 8 wins, to go along with 54 K’s in 31 IP.
Cade Denton, RHP, 22, Single-A
Ideally Denton’s late inning success will continue in the professional ranks, as the 10th round selection was awarded the “Stopper of the Year” while pitching for Oral Roberts in 2023. Over 12 IP, Denton maintains a 1.50 ERA along with a 0.92 WHIP.
Bryson Hammer, RHP, 22, Single-A
Hammer has been effective in relief for Single-A Fresno, carrying a 1.26 ERA to go along with a stingy 1.05 WHIP.
Blake Adams, RHP, 23, High-A
Adams was nearly unhittable in April, posting 0.53 ERA in April, along with a stingy 0.71 WHIP. The former Colorado State Ram was a 13th round pick in 2022.
On The Mend
Sam Weatherly, LHP, 25, Single-A
The former 3rd round draftee out of Clemson has found his groove recently. From May 27 through June 13, the lefthander held opponents scoreless, striking out 10, and allowing only one walk while facing pitching for Single-A Fresno.
Riley Pint, RHP, 26, Triple-A
Former 1st round pick Pint has recently pitched in the ACL on a rehabilitation assignment. Pint was solid in Spring Training, and pitched to a 2.84 ERA in April in the hitter friendly PCL. The hard-throwing right hander has fanned 30 batters in 16 innings. Could a healthy Pint may earn himself another opportunity in Denver this summer?
Carson Skipper, LHP, 24, High-A
Skipper has emerged on the scene in Spokane pitching in relief. The 24-year old left hander currently owns a 5-1 record, a 1.65 ERA, 5 holds, ⅗ in save opportunities, and a tidy WHIP of 1.06. Skipper an 11th rd. pick out of Auburn in 2022.
Braxton Hyde, RHP, 23, High-A
The 23-year-old reliever from Butler Community College, has yet to relinquish a run on the road this season! Overall, Hyde is 2-0, with a respectable 2.15 ERA.
Brian is in his second year covering the Colorado Rockies. A lifelong sports enthusiast, Brian grew up in Northern California a fan of the great Oakland A’s teams of the early 1970’s. From 1998-2014 Brian coached the Men’s Basketball team at Reedley (Community) College, a short drive away from the home of the Rockies Single-A club, the Fresno Grizzlies. Recently Brian was named Athletic Director at Parlier High School (#100percentParlierPanthers!). Brian and his wife LeAnn were married in 2001, and have two children; son Noah and daughter Eleanor who attends San Diego State. Follow Brian on Twitter @100percent3G.
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