Early Rockies spring training breakout proves Colorado might've fleeced Yankees

It's still way too early in spring training to overreact to player statistics, but one Rockies hitter has been turning heads around the organization.

T.J. Rumfield's name has surfaced as a candidate for Colorado's vacant first base position, along with Edouard Julien, Blake Crim, Troy Johnston, and even No. 2 prospect Charlie Condon, who's been turning heads early in camp.

Condon is a player to keep an eye on—he's been producing at a high level so far, with two home runs and a .600 average to show for it.

However, Colorado's new front office and general manager might've pulled the rug out from under the New York Yankees' feet with this trade.

Rumfield (New York's No. 22 prospect at the time) was acquired this offseason from the Yankees in exchange for Rockies relief pitcher Angel Chivilli.

T.J. was originally selected by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 12th round of the 2021 draft before being traded to the Yankees that winter.

Chivilli throws hard and has the tools to develop into a solid big league reliever with the right coaching, but things didn't pan out—and pitching at Coors Field is already challenging enough.

The Rockies enter Friday afternoon's game against the San Diego Padres with a 5-2 spring training record, and Rumfield leads the team with three home runs. He's slashing .364/.500/1.182 with four RBI, two walks, and just one strikeout.

He was stuck behind a crowded Yankees roster that saw up-and-coming power threat Ben Rice make the most of his Major League chances, and the team was also rostering veteran Paul Goldschmidt.

Rumfield posted a 121 wRC+ and 16 home runs for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre last season, and it still wasn't enough to warrant a look with that Yankees roster.

After his trade to Colorado and a dominant showing in his first seven spring training games, Rumfield looks to build on those performances and crack Colorado's Opening Day roster—which would make the Rockies look like geniuses.