FanGraphs lists shocking Rockies prospect in the top five of their rankings

Regarding the Rockies' farm system, if Ethan Holliday and Charlie Condon aren't at the top of your list, you're overlooking the basics. FanGraphs ranks them in that order, but the real intrigue lies with one particular player featured in the top five.

Roldy Brito (MLB.com No. 4 Rockies prospect) and Wilder Dalis (MLB.com No. 18 Rockies prospect) are featured at No. 3 and No. 4, respectively.

Here's the kicker: FanGraphs ranks McCade Brown (MLB.com No. 25 Rockies prospect) at number five.

Colorado selected Brown in the third round of the 2021 MLB Draft but has faced setbacks, including an elbow injury in September 2022 that required Tommy John surgery in early 2023.

Brown returned to the game in 2024, pitching in 12 minor league games split between the ACL Rockies (rookie ball) and the Low-A affiliate Fresno. He had a 6.85 ERA over 10 starts, recording 35 strikeouts in 23.2 innings.

In 2025, he began the season with High-A Spokane before moving on to Double-A Hartford. Between both teams, he posted a 2.47 ERA with 105 strikeouts in 76.2 innings, leading to his promotion to the big leagues in late August.

He has the frame of a power pitcher and the strikeout numbers are there, especially highlighted in Colorado's 4-3 loss on the road to Seattle back on Sept. 23 where Brown struck out 10 batters over five innings where he allowed just two hits and one run.

Consistency has been a major issue for the right-hander, as he issued 30 walks with the Rockies last season, resulting in a 0-5 record and a 7.36 ERA. He possesses a strong fastball reaching 98 mph and a reliable slider with a 36.5% whiff rate, but needs to focus on throwing strikes and getting ahead in counts.

Brown is currently on the 15-day injured list, retroactive to March 25th, due to shoulder inflammation. It will be interesting to see where he starts upon his return, with all indications pointing to Triple-A Albuquerque.

FanGraphs ranking him at No. 5 on their prospect list is surprising, but he possesses the tools to become a solid member of the Rockies rotation if he can put it all together.