Position players the Rockies should target in the MLB Draft

It's only two days until the MLB draft, and the Colorado Rockies are gearing up for the future. With six picks (9, 46, 65, 77, 109, 145) among the first 200 selections, they have a great opportunity to make some franchise-altering selections.

The Rockies are in an ongoing rebuild and as there have been bright spots from some of the younger players, the reality is they have not played good baseball this year. Right now they have a record of 33-55 and sitting in the basement of the National League.

The Rockies pitching has been absolutely dreadful, but the offense has been a shining light for them in 2023. Right now they rank 12th in all of baseball and seventh in the NL.

While they should focus on team needs in the draft, some opportunities are just too good to pass up. This years draft class has been considered one of the more deeper classes in recent history and the Rockies could very well find quality pitching in the later rounds. With that being said, it could be very possible they draft a position player at pick number nine. With that being said, let's take a look at just what prospects they could target in this years draft and where these players could be drafted at.

Jacob Gonzalez

Jacob Gonzalez is a shortstop from Ole Miss that could be taken by the Rockies in the first round of the draft. Currently, the Rockies have Ezequiel Tovar playing at shortstop but that should not be a reason to pass up on Gonzalez. If drafted by the Rockies, Gonzalez could easily be moved over to play third or second base as his measurables aren't the most ideal fit for an MLB shortstop standing at 6'2 and weighing 200 pounds. Baseball America reported that many scouts were indeed surprised to see him stick at shortstop during his collegiate career. With that being said, he could very well find himself on the Colorado roster but playing a different position in the future.

Last year, Gonzalez earned himself a spot on the Second Team All-SEC while hitting .327/.435/.564 with 10 home runs, 51 RBI's and 18 doubles. Gonzalez has been regarded as one of the best contact hitters coming into this years class and could be a great piece for a Rockies team that already is full of home run power.

At the beginning of the year, Gonzalez's name was in the mix as the potential number-one pick in this year's draft, until the emergence of LSU's Paul Skenes and Dylan Crews. Despite not being projected as the number one pick anymore, Gonzalez is still a safe bet as an excellent first-round pick for any team and could find his way on an MLB roster shortly after being drafted. In his freshman year, he helped lead the Running Rebels to a College Baseball World Series and was named to the 2021 D1 Baseball National Freshman of the year, and earned a spot on the 2021 USA Baseball Collegiate National Team.

Enrique Bradfield Jr.

Enrique Bradfield Jr., a left-handed outfielder from Vanderbilt, is a promising candidate for a first-round selection. Standing at 6'1" and weighing approximately 170 pounds.

During his college years, Bradfield Jr. slashed .311/.425/.447. He hit 15 home runs, 12 doubles, and 11 triples, and set an impressive school record of 130 stolen bases at Vanderbilt. Given the Rockies' need for contact hitters and speed in the lineup, Bradfield could be an ideal prospect as the team's leadoff hitter of the future.

Tim Corbin, the head coach of the Vanderbilt baseball team, describes Bradfield Jr. as an energetic player who excels on both offense and defense. He is expected to make a positive impact on and off the field for the team. Bradfield Jr. has a contagious, energetic personality that could benefit any clubhouse in the MLB. His elite speed is his best trait that scouts have to be in love with. Additionally, Bradfield Jr.'s speed translates well to his defensive capabilities, as he can cover a lot of ground in the outfield and has a great read on the ball as it comes off the hitter's bat.

Blake Mitchell

Blake Mitchell is another high school prospect the Rockies could target in this years draft. The first thing that stands out to me when I see Mitchell's name is "Franchise Catcher". The Rockies have never had a franchise catcher and what better time to find one then in the draft.

Mithcell is a young 18-year old from Texas, who is committed to playing college ball at Louisiana State, but if drafted in the first round, that could very well entice him to forgo college and begin his Major League career.

In high school, Mitchell lead his school Sinton high school to the Texas 4-A title his junior year and also has received Gatorade Player of the year honors twice in 2022 and 2023. In his senior year, he held a batting average of .452 with 41 RBI's, six home runs, and 15 doubles. Mitchell could be for the Rockies what Adley Rutschman has been for the Orioles as the final piece of the organization's rebuild and could become the franchise catcher the team has yet to find in it's 30-year history.