Colorado Rockies: A season review of the top 16 prospects

A look at the seasons put together by Colorado Rockies prospects Brenton Doyle and Colton Welker

11. Brenton Doyle, OF, A+: .279/.336/.454, 110 wRC+, 7.1 BB%, 31.6 K%, 16 HR, 21 SB

Coming to the Colorado Rockies via Division II school Shepherd University, Brenton Doyle has done nothing but prove he’s been slept on his entire baseball career since entering the pro ranks. While Doyle wasn’t quite as electric this year as he was in his 2019 Pioneer League conquest, he has proven to be a well-above-average pro player.

A strikeout rate over 30 percent isn’t ideal but the 6-foot-3 outfielder makes up for it with plus speed, defense, and power. Not to mention, he’s still a quality overall hitter, indicated by his .336 OBP this year.

Doyle will head to Hartford next year for what will be a difficult test as it’s not uncommon for high-strikeout players to struggle in the upper minors. If he excels, then the Rockies are looking at a potential five-tool CF.

12. Colton Welker, 3B, ACL/A+/AAA: .258/.345/.483, 108 wRC+, 10.8 BB%, 22.3 K%, 6 HR

Welker is fresh off an MLB cup of coffee. He managed to pick up seven hits in what was an uneventful 40 PA debut. Welker began the 2021 season on the shelf as the result of a PED suspension.

It took time for him to return to form but by season’s end, the former fourth-round pick looked like the Colton Welker of old. Welker actually recorded a career-high walk rate this year and was on pace to blow by his previous career-high in home runs.

As mentioned earlier, the Rockies corner infield looks like a broken vending machine with a half dozen items stacked up, waiting to fall. As a result, Welker’s role for 2021 and beyond is murky at best. There’s premium upside with his hit tool though the rest of his tools don’t scream MLB regular.