Colorado Rockies top prospect season review: The Depth

24) Adrian Pinto, 2B/SS, DSL: .360/.486/.543, 185 wRC+, 17.0 BB%, 8.0 K%, 3 HR, 41 SB

Another unknown to the majority of the fanbase, Adrian Pinto had himself the best offensive season in DSL Rockies history.

The tiny (he’s listed at 5’6″ and 156 pounds) but mighty Pinto did everything. He hit for average (.360), drew a lot of walks (38 in 54 games), rarely swung and missed (18 strikeouts total), nearly stole a base every game (41), slapped balls into the gaps, and even managed a trio of long balls. That’s a long laundry list.

Not to mention, Pinto adds to his value as a surefire up the middle defender whether it be at SS, 2B, CF, or a mix of the three.

Be excited about Pinto — and patient as he’s only 19. It’s unlikely he makes the jump from the DSL to Low-A but given his apparent talent, it’s possible.

25) McCade Brown, RHP, ACL: 6.75 ERA, 6.59 FIP, 1.63 WHIP, 25.7 K%, 8.6 BB%

Selected in the 3rd round of the 2021 Draft, McCade Brown epitomizes the ‘boom or bust’ label. The 6-foot-6 right-hander brings an imposing presence to the mound both because of his large build but also his electric stuff.

He sits in the mid-90s with a plus vertical break which allows his fastball to appear to rise on hitters as it enters the zone, one of the trademarks of a plus pitch in the modern game. Brown also brings three secondary pitches to the mound, though the trio all need refinement.

The main knock on the former Indiana hurler is command and the consistency of his mechanics. If he can achieve more control on the mound, his upside is as high as any pitcher in the system.

With pitchers in this mold, the Rockies like to take a patient approach. Brown will likely be a headliner in the Fresno rotation, starting with shorter stints.