Grading every Rockies’ first round pick in franchise history

Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

2014 – Kyle Freeland LHP (8^th overall) University of Evansville

The Rockies selected local boy Kyle Freeland with the 8^th overall pick in last year’s draft. Freeland went to Thomas Jefferson High School in Denver. The lefty was taken in the 35^th round of the 2011 draft by the Philadelphia Phillies but passed and decided to go to the University of Evansville in Indiana where he improved each season.

His junior year he went 10-2 with a 1.90 ERA and struck out 128 over 99.2 innings. After being drafted last summer, Freeland started his professional career with the Grand Junction Rockies. In five games with Grand Junction, he posted a 1.56 ERA and was promoted to Single-A. He finished the season with a 2-0 record and a 0.83 ERA over 21.2 innings.

Numbers with Rockies: (minor league numbers) 3-0, 1.15 ERA, 33 K, 39.0 IP

Where Are They Now? Freeland is on a fast track to the major leagues and has had great success in his short time in the organization.

 Grade: B+. This kid is stirring up a buzz throughout the Rockies’ organization. At just 21-years old, he is turning a lot of heads in the minor leagues.

If he can stay healthy, the Rockies could have a bright future with Gray, Anderson and Freeland on their way to the show. Then maybe things will start to look up with Rockies’ first round picks.

Next: Is Nolan Arenado surpassing Carlos Gonzalez?