Rockies dream scenario in the 2023 MLB draft

Drafting Paul Skenes

Although it may be unlikely, the best outcome for Colorado would be if the top-ranked prospect in this year's draft were to fall into their lap. According to most MLB mock drafts, Skenes is projected to be selected as the number one pick by the Pittsburgh Pirates. However, if the Pirates and other teams end up choosing position players before the Rockies pick at number nine, they could potentially have a chance at selecting Skenes.

Skenes is the perfect pitcher for Colorado, a former Alumni of the Air Force Academy from 2021-2022, Skenes is almost a seasoned vet when it comes to pitching in the Rocky Mountain altitude.

Last year, Skenes transferred to LSU last season and led them to victory in the College Baseball World Series. Throughout his final year with the Tigers, Skenes played 19 games and boasted a remarkable 12-2 record, with a 1.69 ERA. In addition, he struck out 209 batters. Skenes has showcased his ability to be a dominant pitcher in the MLB and could bring an impact to any roster. He may even have the opportunity to join the Rockies starting rotation next year.

It's widely agreed that Skenes is one of the most promising pitching prospects in baseball and has been compared to Stephen Strasburg when he was first drafted in 2009. Throughout his time at LSU, his fastball has consistently clocked in at 98 MPH. Skenes boasts a diverse range of pitches, including a changeup, curveball, and slider, which complement his fastball perfectly. Standing at an impressive 6'6" and weighing 235 pounds, Skenes also brings an air of intimidation to the mound that adds to his overall presence.

Finding the next Nolan Arenado

Regardless of the ongoing challenges faced by the St. Louis Cardinals, one thing remains certain - third baseman Nolan Arenado has shown remarkable consistency. Arenado was chosen by the Rockies in the 2009 draft and made his MLB debut in 2013. Throughout his tenure with the Rockies, he was undoubtedly the team's greatest third baseman, having been named a four-time All-Star, a seven-time Gold Glove winner, a three-time Platinum Glove winner, and a three-time NL Silver Slugger winner.

It's uncertain whether lightning will strike twice for the Rockies. What is clear, however, is that the team needs a reliable third baseman to anchor the franchise. Currently, Ryan McMahon fills that role, but he's also a versatile infielder who can play at second base. As a result, the Rockies may consider moving him to the middle infield in the coming years if they decided to draft a third baseman in this year's draft.

Wake Forest third baseman Brock Wilken could be the perfect player to play at third base for the Rockies in the near future as the 21-year-old, '6"4 225 pound third baseman from Valrico Florida could be the perfect player to sit in the hot corner of the Rockies infield.

Last season, Wilken and the Demon Deacons made it to the semi-finals of the NCAA College Baseball Playoffs but unfortunately were eliminated from the LSU Tigers. Wilken was one of the biggest contributors to the Demon Deacons team as he hit an average of .345 with 31 home runs, 82 RBI's, 15 doubles, and a slugging percentage of .807.

Ever since he started attending Wake Forest as a freshman, he has consistently displayed to be an excellent hitter for the Demon Deacons which has made him a valuable asset in the team's lineup. The Rockies have been in dire need of a player who can hit with both power and contact like Wilken ever since Arenado left in 2020. Additionally, his outstanding defensive abilities make him an ideal candidate for the Rockies' infield.

If drafted by the Rockies, Wilkens could find himself in the Rockies lineup in possibly a year and a half after being drafted by the clubhouse and would be another great bat to a team who should be much more competitive than they are today.

Adding Pitching Depth

The Rockies seem to be facing a challenge in their minor league system when it comes to starting pitching and may consider other pitching candidates besides Skenes. Unfortunately, they are currently lacking a pitcher who ranks among MLB's top 100 prospects and are struggling to identify a reliable Ace for their staff. Despite Kyle Freeland's impressive 17-win season in 2018, the Rockies' pitching staff has been performing poorly and is ranked 29th overall, with only the Oakland A's below them.

Despite the team's ongoing struggles with pitching, they have also faced significant challenges in signing new pitchers to join their staff. The Rockies have never been able to secure a major free agency signing for their starting rotation.

It is crucial for the Rockies to focus on building a strong pitching staff in the upcoming MLB Draft. It is imperative for Schmidt to make smart draft picks to strengthen the team's pitching. Additionally, the Rockies have been plagued by pitching injuries this year, and it would be wise to learn from past mistakes by investing in more pitching depth to ensure future success as contenders.