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.

Aidan Miller

Aidan Miller is a high school prospect third baseman from Florida who is committed to play college baseball at Arkansas. However, he is projected as a top-15 pick in the draft and should be right on the Rockies radar. He is the younger brother of Jackson Miller who was selected in the second round of the 2020 MLB draft by the Cincinnati Reds.

Scouts grade Miller as a power-hitting third baseman who is just as productive on defense as he is offensively. He would make a great selection for the Rockies as he could be projected to debut in the big leagues in 2027, just as it would be the final year of the six-year contract extension of third baseman Ryan McMahon. Miller gives the Rockies the opportunity to stay consistent at the hot corner and also the ability to develop and plan for the future. Aside from playing third base, Miller's strong arm and size could also turn him into a future outfielder for the Rockies and could make an excellent addition in right field.

With caution comes concern. Miller did not play last year after dealing with a hamate injury and could've set his development a year back. In 2022, Miller played lights out in his junior year of high school with a .403 average, three home runs, 16 RBI's, two doubles, and one triple. He was also on the team USA 18 under team and played in a total of nine games where he hit .478/.594/.1000 with two home runs, eight RBI's, and 11 hits. He finished the tournament earning the title as the batting champion and also became the third player since 2010 to hit three triples in the tournament.