Colorado Rockies: Ranking the 40-Man Roster: 26-30

Number 28

Jordan Patterson: OF/1B Points: 163 Highest Rank: 20 Lowest Rank: 32

Jordan Patterson enters the 2017 season in a tough spot. His ranking also reflects the different roles he could inherit. He could be relied upon heavily if *crosses fingers* things fall through with Ian Desmond at first base, or he could be used as an extra outfielder if the team trades one of their current outfielders. He could also be another victim of a crowded roster and spend a majority of the season with the Isotopes in AAA ball.

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Patterson is now four years removed from being selected in the fourth round of the 2013 Draft, and he has shown steady improvement in every step through the minor leagues. Last year, he got a brief glimpse of the big leagues as a September call-up. He carried a .444 avg over the 10 games, and showed a good bit of speed on the bases.

Patterson’s ticket to the big leagues will be his ability to play multiple positions and his sneaky power at the plate. He hit 14 bombs last year in the minors and 17 the year before. Good ol’ Coors Field could never hurt a young player when it comes to building confidence in the long ball, and Patterson has the opportunity to capitalize in the coming years.

2017 is a big year for Patterson, as he could step up as the temporary answer at first base if Desmond eventually moves to the outfield. At best, I see Patterson as an added bit of security and depth this season for the Rockies. He can grow as a player and work on his strengths with an added year of regular playing time and at-bats in AAA.