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

By Trysten Garcia

Jul 20, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Baseballs and a stretching band and a glove on the field prior to action between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Miami Marlins at Citizens Bank Park. Philadelphia won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 20, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Baseballs and a stretching band and a glove on the field prior to action between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Miami Marlins at Citizens Bank Park. Philadelphia won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 4, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies center fielder Raimel Tapia (68) in the batters box in the third inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Coors Field. The Diamondbacks defeated the Rockies 8-5. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 4, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies center fielder Raimel Tapia (68) in the batters box in the third inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Coors Field. The Diamondbacks defeated the Rockies 8-5. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

Number 26

Raimel Tapia: Outfielder Points: 151 Highest Rank: 17 Lowest Rank: 36

Finishing out this portion of the ranking is one of the most exciting Rockies prospects in recent memory. Raimel Tapia has a career .317 AVG in the minors, and excluding his first year in the minors, has hit over .300 every season since.  He won’t blow anyone away with overwhelming power, but he could literally blow someone away on the base paths.

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As far as power goes, Tapia’s best season came in 2015, where he hit 12 homers in Single-A Modesto. His best season in stolen bases came in 2014, as he stole 33 bases for the Asheville Tourists. The most unique part about Tapia is his batting stance and ever-changing approach at the plate. He has a different stance for almost every count at the plate, and seems to hit just as well from one as any other.

He is a speedy left-handed hitter who could very easily lead off for the team for years to come. However, like many others, he is limited in his ability to make an impact due to an overcrowded outfield. A position change is not likely for the 23-year-old, so he will have to prove his worth by excelling in every position in the outfield.

Tapia is best suited in center field due to his lighting fast speed, but the Rockies seem to be in no hurry to usher out Charlie Blackmon … and for good reason. Though Blackmon’s name has come up in many trade discussions over the years, the Rockies remain reluctant to shake up the current roster.

In 2017, Tapia would benefit most from another year of consistent playing time and daily at-bats. Though his ranking is very high this time around, it remains unlikely he will have an immediate impact this season. That is unless the Rockies fall short of expectations and move toward a youthful retooling.

Next: Check Out The Players Ranked 36-31

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