MLB Draft: Sleeper prospect for each of the Colorado Rockies first 4 picks

Reminiscent of their 2015 class, the Colorado Rockies will make four selections inside the top 50 in 2022. They hold picks 10, 31, 38, and 50. In a draft loaded with college hitting and high school pitching — the Rockies’ apparent kryptonite — stellar prospects will be available at each spot.

Since the Colorado Rockies have selected three straight hitters at the top of the draft (Benny Montgomery, Zac Veen, and Michael Toglia), it’s reasonable to think they might target a high-end pitcher at pick 10. Unfortunately, the value won’t match that assertion.

It seems very likely the first pitcher in the 2022 draft will be taken outside of the top 10. According to Prospects Live’s Joe Doyle, a pitcher hasn’t been selected in the top 5 just twice in the last 57 years. This year will almost guarantee a third time and perhaps be the first time a pitcher isn’t selected in the top 10.

At pick 10, the Rockies need to continue their trend of finding offensive prospects with high-end tools. With their next three picks, pitching can enter the equation.

In this article, I’ll outline a sleeper prospect that will likely be available at each of the Colorado Rockies’ top 50 selections.

Pick 10: Zach Neto, SS, Campbell

Coming from a less-heralded Big South program in the Campbell Fighting Camels, Zach Neto checks every box as a player.

The athletic shortstop brings a plus hit tool, power, speed, and corresponding defensive ability at a premium position.

Now you might be thinking about Ezequiel Tovar, the Rockies ascendant shortstop prospect. Neto gives the Rockies another potential option at shortstop but, more importantly, a queen-like chess piece capable of manning second base, third base, and likely center field.

As is always the case with the draft, targeting a great player regardless of their positional fit should be a key focus.

Neto’s numbers back up a top 10 selection, despite limited media hype to this point.

The Miami native hit 15 home runs and slugged .769 this season, a ridiculous figure for any hitter. His batted ball metrics suggest he hasn’t been lucky in any way either. He’s likely a 25+ home run hitter in the pros with an approach that will accumulate doubles and triples like a vacuum.

The real selling tool for Neto is his hitting ability. Despite having an unorthodox plate setup and swing, Neto looks to be one of the absolute best hitters in the country.

The Campbell star’s contact rate was 84% (would have ranked 17th in MLB last year), he swung at 24% of pitches outside of the zone (would have ranked 11th in MLB last year), and his strikeout and walk numbers are as you’d expect.

In 2022, Neto walked 39 times and struck out a mere 19 times. Obviously, these numbers will take a hit as Neto enters the pros but they do outline the high talent level.

While Campbell’s competition level is slightly below other college stars, the Fighting Camels faced Georgia Tech, Tennessee, East Carolina, Ohio State, Duke, North Carolina, South Carolina, West Virginia, and other notable and respected programs this season.

Neto also went to the Cape Cod League last summer and proceeded to record a 1.026 OPS against many of college baseball’s best players and with wood bats.

The final pro of taking a college player with less namesake is the signing bonus flexibility that could be used to secure high upside high school talent.

Honorable mentions: Eric Brown, SS, Coastal Carolina | Drew Gilbert, OF, Tennessee

Pick 31 (Compensation for Trevor Story): Roman Anthony, OF, Stoneman Douglas HS (FL)

Roman Anthony comes from the same high school as Colton Welker and with even more physical talent. He’s also already hit a homer at Coors.

Anthony doesn’t have the college numbers to dive into like Neto but his power is evident, his run times are well above average, according to Perfect Game, and this high school season, he hit .545 with just 15 strikeouts.

It looks like a quality 5-tool profile with upside only a notch below fellow Floridian Zac Veen.

Standing 6’3″ with some projectable room to grow, Roman Anthony is as enticing of a hitting prospect as they come. The Rockies need to continue accumulating athletic/toolsy players with legitimate offensive upside and this would be a perfect selection to fit that bill.

Pick 38 (Competitive Balance Round A): Carson Whisenhunt, LHP, Eastern Carolina

Perhaps set to go in the first round before the season, Whisenhunt was suspended by the NCAA after testing positive for a banned substance.

While nobody likes to hear that about a draft prospect, Whisenhunt is a can’t-miss talent with tools that should appeal to the Rockies.

His changeup has been absolutely lauded by scouts and looks to be a plus (60 grade) to potentially double-plus (70) pitch. The changeup could almost be confused for a curveball with how much late drop it gets.

When hitters swung at Whisenhunt’s changeup, they missed 59% of the time. For reference, the top changeup whiff% in MLB last year was 55.6% (Alex Reyes).

Whisenhunt’s fastball sat 91-94 last season but with his 6’4″ frame having room to grow, a 93-96 velo range is a likely outcome. Presently, it’s an average fastball by the standards of this draft but could become something more.

The East Carolina product also features a curveball with heavy drop and some horizontal movement. It’s a quality third pitch that gives Whisenhunt a second out-pitch to go along with his killer changeup.

In 2021, the southpaw pitched to a 3.77 ERA with 79 strikeouts in 62 innings. However, he limited hitters to a .560 OPS against him, showing some bad luck likely inflated his ERA.

Without getting to see Whisenhunt in 2022, it’s unclear how much he progressed as a pitcher, opening the door for some risk but also for him to be an absolute steal outside of the first round.