Colorado Rockies: Three 2017 draft picks worth watching

Sep 22, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; General view of Colorado Rockies caps and gloves in the dugout in the eighth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Coors Field. The Pirates defeated the Rockies 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

The Colorado Rockies entered the 2017 MLB Draft without a first round pick for the first time in over 15 years. The pick was forfeited after the team signed free agent 1B/OF Ian Desmond this offseason.

Even without a pick in the top 45, the Rockies came away with a haul of impressive prospects. Let’s take a closer look at three picks who should garner a little extra attention as they develop.

The Colorado Rockies farm system is widely regarded as one of the best in baseball. With such confidence in the ability to develop talent already in the organization, GM Jeff Bridich was willing to part with the team’s first-round pick in favor of an established big league utility-man. The outcome of the decision will depend on how Desmond fares during his time in Denver, but the club is focused on winning now, and his contributions are making a difference.

After waiting until the 48th pick to make the team’s first selection, the Rockies went with another high-upside high school infielder, Ryan Vilade.

The Colorado Rockies entered the 2017 MLB Draft without a first round pick for the first time in over 15 years. The pick was forfeited after the team signed free agent 1B/OF Ian Desmond this offseason.

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