Four Rockies' prospects to watch in the Cactus League

Top tp bottom, regardless of position, the Colorado Rockies are going to be a young ball club when they open the season March 28 in Tampa Bay. And with how good Colorado’s young talent is performing already at the big league level, imagine how young the team could be if some of the organization's best prospects reach the major leagues.

As Cactus League games get underway, many of the young prospects in Colorado’s system are turning heads, including the one’s you’d expect, and some you may not of. Here’s a look at four prospects to really pay attention to as they start playing In games and as the calendar turns from February to March.

1. Chase Dollander

To literally no one’s amazement, Dollander has big league camp buzzing. The first-round pick in 2023 from Tennessee, and rated as high as a Top 30 prospect in Major League Baseball, Dollander is destined to make the big league. It’s just a matter of when. With how he has an impressed in a live BP session earlier this week, to begin able to hit the 98 MPH level, Dollander has a big opportunity to make the starting rotation right away. It will come down to live games and how quickly the Rockies are willing to bring him along. But the fact is, Dollander is going to be in Denver at some point and the process this spring is going to be a fun to watch.

2. Zac Veen

The outfield in Colorado is a bit crowded, but, there are three prospects that may be hard to keep out of Denver this summer. One of them is Veen, the 23-year-old ninth overall pick from 2020. Even has had injury issues in the minor leagues, but, when healthy he’s been spectacular all the way through the minor league system. Even already has a home run this spring, and Colorado seems to be in it for the long haul with him, so, his big league debut could finally be approaching, and consistency this spring will get him there.

3. Yanquiel Fernandez

Another of Colorado’s young, but talented group of outfield prospects, Fernandez really shined in his stint with Triple-A Albuquerque last summer. At just 22 years old, he’s displayed all the tools already and he has tons of power and potential at the plate. He’s already had at-bats in the first weekend of Cactus League games, which means he’s definitely getting a good luck from Bud Black and Rockies’ management, and like Veen, his rise to being a big-league player looks like it’s a matter of when, not if.

4. Cole Carrigg

The Rockies seem to be loaded with outfield talent, which is while the 22-year-old Carrigg may be waning his turn. However, after a strong season at High A last year, Carrigg is making a good impression so far in big league camp. He’s getting live at-bats, and is making the most out of them so far. A former catcher, Carrigg has impressive speed, which makes him a top candidate for a future center fielder, and he has displayed plenty of power to combine with his speed which makes him an intriguing leadoff man. Carrigg will likely start the season at AA or AAA, but, he certainly has a call-up in his future, especially if he keeps making the most of his opportunities this spring.