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.