Colorado Rockies: Three 2017 draft picks worth watching

3B Ryan Vilade (2nd Round/48th Overall): Stillwater HS

The Rockies have never been hesitant to select high school players with huge upside in the early rounds, and Ryan Vilade is no exception. The high school shortstop committed to Oklahoma State before being drafted by the Rockies, and was expected to move to third base at the next level. Vilade was the winner of the Home Run Derby at the All American Game during his senior season, and his impressive power did not go unnoticed by the Rockies.

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If Vilade signs a contract with the organization, his long-term future will become cloudy from the start. It seems unlikely there will be an opening at third base on the big league team any time soon, and Nolan Arenado will not become an unrestricted free agent until after the 2019 season. Ryan McMahon has emerged as a strong candidate to break the 25-man roster at some point in the near future and could easily be the emergency replacement at the hot corner. Last year’s fourth-round selection, Colton Welker, has also impressed in his first professional season.

With such depth at the position, Vilade could become a valuable trade chip in the coming seasons if the Rockies look to bolster the big league lineup. Though it is purely speculative, Vilade’s greatest impact on the Rockies could lie in his ability to act as the centerpiece of a big trade.

RHP Garrett Schilling (18th Round/536th Overall): Xavier University

Garrett Schilling doesn’t exactly jump off the page as the next big thing for any team, but his upside is much greater than his measurable stats.

The right-handed pitcher from Clawson, Michigan stands just 6-foot-2 on the mound. He owns a 7-8 record with a 3.57 ERA this season, and a pedestrian 0.61 K/9. On the plus side, he doesn’t walk many batters or give up many home runs. During his junior season at Xavier, Schilling pitched a gem in the Regional round of the NCAA Tournament, allowing just two hits over seven innings.

He has been used exclusively as a starting pitcher in his time at Xavier. With an average outing of 5.68 innings per start, he could use more work being stretched out for the next level, but could also be a valuable tool in the middle relief role. Schilling could also choose to return to Xavier for his senior season and spurn the Rockies altogether.

No Rockies’ selection in the 18th round has gone on to enjoy success for the club in the past, but the team’s most notable 18th rounder was right-hander Andrew Cashner in 2006. Cashner did not sign with the club and was eventually drafted in the first round by the Chicago Cubs in 2008.

RHP Tommy Doyle (Comp. B/70th Overall): Virginia

Winning is an important part of any young player’s success at the next level. Tommy Doyle experienced winning in its purest form during his freshman season at Virginia. After being drafted by the Nationals out of high school, Doyle instead joined the Cavaliers, who won the 2015 NCAA Tournament. Doyle was a key piece in the bullpen during the championship run. He pitched in 16 games out of the bullpen in 2015, including 3.2 scoreless innings during the tournament.

In 2016, Doyle started seven games while at Virginia, but struggled before moving back to his natural spot in the bullpen. Another stellar season in 2016 landed Doyle on the Third-Team All-ACC. A successful college career to this point got Doyle drafted once again, this time by the Rockies.

He has the clearest path to success at this point, as the bullpen can always be improved. His first pro season will be monitored heavily after a long season at Virginia, but he could be set up for success as early as Spring Training. With 17 career saves under his belt, he could be worked in pressure situations in the minor leagues to build mental toughness. Don’t be surprised if Tommy Doyle is the first 2017 draftee to crack the big league roster.

Next: Three Bullpen Targets at the Deadline