Colorado Rockies: Three prospects who could make an impact by 2020

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DENVER, CO – MAY 12: Raimel Tapia #15 of the Colorado Rockies celebrates after hitting a two-run seventh inning homer against the San Diego Padres at Coors Field on May 12, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

While the Colorado Rockies do not boast a top ten farm system in Major League Baseball, there are still some entertaining and potentially future stars waiting in the wings hoping for a chance to make an impact.

It can tug at the heartstrings to objectively see teams in your division possess a top of the line farm system, as is the case with both the San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers. Despite the reality of the Colorado Rockies not finding themselves at that level, they still do have some quality bats and arms to stock up in the future.

Almost like clockwork, fans have come to expect a veteran presence with the team, because it has now been that way for a while. Thankfully, Colorado’s brass has seemingly begun to turn the corner in recent years with showing the desire to let the kids play. Seeing both Raimel Tapia and Garrett Hampson get regular at-bats is a significant step in the right direction and one they hopefully continue to explore moving forward.

All that being said, there is still a plethora of talent in the clubs’ minor leagues, with some guys on the verge of knocking on the Show’s door for their opportunity. It is time we look at some of these stars and determine who is close to that next level.

MIAMI, FL – JULY 09: Brendan Rodgers #1 of the Colorado Rockies and the U.S. Team fields the ball against the World Team during the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game at Marlins Park on July 9, 2017 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Brendan Rodgers, INF, No.1 overall prospect

Not much can be said about Brendan Rodgers that has not already been said. Currently listed as Colorado’s top overall prospect, Rodgers has worked his way from rookie ball to Triple-A Albuquerque in a matter of a few seasons.

Rodgers was selected third overall by the Rockies in the 2015 Amateur June Draft and signed with the club for $5.5 million. For Rodgers, it was a huge accomplishment, as the young infielder was selected immediately out of high school.

During his first season at Grand Junction, Rodgers held his own by slashing .273/.340/.420 in 143 at-bats. In each of the next three subsequent seasons, Rodgers moved from Grand Junction to Class-A Asheville followed by Class-A Advanced Lancaster, before landing in Double-A Hartford.

Last season with Hartford, his second, Rodgers slashed .275/.342/.493 with a .835 OPS. The surge was good enough to earn Rodgers a promotion to Triple-A Albuquerque. Rodgers played 19 games, struggling to a .232/.264/.290 line.

This season has been a change in script, however. Rodgers started his 2019 campaign in Triple-A once again and this time is slashing .333/.406/.587 with a .415 wOBA and 141 wRC+. He also has seven home runs and 18 RBI in 143 total plate appearances thus far.

With the level of production Rodgers has reached so far, it is only a matter of time before the Rockies call him up as their everyday second baseman. Trying to imagine a middle-infield made up of Rodgers and Trevor Story is a dream come true for fans. If not by July, expect Rodgers to see time in September when rosters expand.

KANSAS CITY, MO – JULY 02: Baseballs on the field before the game between the Cleveland Indians and the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium on July 2, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Brian Davidson/Getty Images) /

Colton Welker, 3B, No.2 overall prospect

Landing second on this list is none other than the clubs second overall prospect, Colton Welker. Welker currently resides in Double-A Hartford and has been holding his own. He is slashing .331/.373/.500 in 34 games this year, while also sporting a .393 wOBA and 154 wRC+.

As fun as Rodgers will undoubtedly be, Welker is just as much fun. The Rockies made Welker their fourth-round selection in the 2016 Amateur June Draft, giving him a signing bonus of $855,000. In figuring out a spot for Welker in the future, the 21-year-old righty also profiles as a first baseman, which could provide his ticket to the Show.

Since making his professional debut in Grand Junction in 2016, Welker has not slowed down. In four seasons in the system, compiling of 266 games for Welker, he is slashing .336/.383/.493 with a .157 ISO and respectable 16.65% strikeout rate.

This season, Welker is at Double-A Hartford playing third base. Through his first 34 games, Welker is slashing .331/.371/.500 with three home runs and 17 RBI. Impressively, Welker sports just a 13.64% strikeout rate and carries a .871 OPS.

Because of Nolan Arenado‘s monster contract extension a month before the season started, Welker will be hard pressed to find himself starting at third in the future. He could undoubtedly spell Arenado there to give Nolan more days off, however as previously stated his best chance is at first base with some time in the outfield sprinkled in.

No matter where he plays, however, Welker is one of the most intriguing prospects in the Rockies system, and fans would be smart to invest some time into Welker as he will be one of the top guys to lead the future in the Mile High City.

SCOTTSDALE, AZ – FEBRUARY 20: Brian Mundell #73 of the Colorado Rockies poses during MLB Photo Day on February 20, 2019 at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Justin Tafoya/Getty Images) /

Brian Mundell, 1B, No.29 overall prospect

Being that Brian Mundell barely cracks the club’s top 30 prospects, it may seem odd that he finds himself on this list. However, there is a ton of potential for Mundell and his future in a Rockies uniform, especially when his primary position is a general position of weakness for the team.

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Mundell starred three years at Cal Poly before Colorado selected him in the seventh round of the 2015 June Amateur Draft. While at Cal Poly, Mundell improved his overall offensive output each subsequent year, finishing with a respectable .275/.367/.443 career line with a .810 OPS.

During his first season at Low-A Boise, Mundell appeared in 69 games and slashed .275/.355/.410 with four home runs and 36 RBI. As he had never previously been a big stolen base guy, Mundell did swipe seven bags in that time as well. The next season, at Class-A Asheville, Mundell performed exceptionally.

Over the course of 136 games, Mundell slashed .313/.383/.505 with 14 home runs and 83 RBI. He also posted a supreme .396 wOBA and 152 wRC+. Following his promotion to Double-A, Mundell posted a .274/.359/.387 line in 180 games. Surprisingly, Mundell worked an 11% walk rate and only 14.53% strikeout rate.

Presently at Triple-A, Mundell is slashing .351/.419/.584 with a .425 wOBA and 148 wRC+. While his strikeout rate has increased to 23.3%, his walk rate remains constant at 10.5%. The Rockies are weak at first base and need someone who can be a consistent option into the future. They may have found their guy.

Final Thoughts

The Rockies do not have a top five or even top ten farm system in baseball, however for what they do currently have its not half bad. Legitimate talent does exist in the ranks, and many under-the-radar names have the opportunity to be great, assuming that opportunity presents itself.

There are a few guys who are in the top five who could knock on the door for the Rockies next season, as is the case for a guy like Brian Mundell.

Next. Colorado Rockies: Early evaluation of the Big 4 signings. dark

Assuming the brass can continue to move the team in a trajectory of success and can get their young players legitimate time, these three and more will have the best chance at breeding success at the highest level.

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