Colorado Rockies: A season review of the top 16 prospects

A look at the seasons put together by Colorado Rockies prospects Joe Rock and Sam Weatherly

13. Joe Rock, LHP, ACL: 1.13 ERA, 2.09 FIP, 0.75 WHIP, 37.9 K%, 3.4 BB%

Selected 68th overall in this year’s draft, Joe Rock was the top drafted pitcher to make his minor league debut for the Colorado Rockies this year. Though in a small sample, Rock looked more like a first-round pick than one from competitive balance round B.

The former Ohio University star showcased a mid-90s fastball that has some projection left, a killer slider, and a changeup with upside. Rock’s deceptive southpaw delivery grants him an extra edge. There’s also sharp control and command that’s not far behind.

If he can remotely keep up the exorbitantly high strikeout and low walk rates, Rock has the potential to shoot up prospect boards.

If Rock impresses the Rockies in instructionals and then in Spring Training, it’s not out of the question that he could be dealt the Chris McMahon treatment and get assigned straight to High-A.

14. Sam Weatherly, LHP, A: 4.83 ERA, 4.59 FIP, 1.32 WHIP, 32.4 K%, 10.8 BB%

A 2020 3rd-round pick, former Clemson stud Sam Weatherly has an arm, plain and simple. The southpaw can run his fastball into the upper-90s with arm-side run and then fool hitters with a put-away slider.

Command and control will always be the key to Weatherly’s future. If those skills remain as is, the Michigan-native can be an asset to a bullpen. If he can continue the level of improvement he flashed in the pros (14.8 walk percentage at Clemson to 10.8 percent with Fresno), then Weatherly has top-of-the-rotation upside.

The development of his changeup — a usable third offering — and his curveball — a work-in-progress — also have a part to play in his future. Weatherly will resume his ascension in Spokane next season.