This Rockies' young flamethrower appears primed for a breakout 2026 campaign

The Colorado Rockies didn't hesitate when Chase Dollander's name came up at pick nine in the 2023 MLB Draft. They knew who they wanted, and they knew why.

His arsenal is headlined by a fastball that touches 99 mph, a devastating slider, and a curveball and changeup that are still being refined.

His promotion felt like a landmark moment for Colorado, echoing the buzz that surrounded Jon Gray's debut. 

The Rockies hadn't had a pitching prospect this hyped in a long time.

Things got rocky fast for Dollander in his first MLB stint, and his home/road splits were about as lopsided as anything you'd expect from a pitcher throwing half his games at altitude.

He broke into the majors in April, was optioned back to Triple-A in July to iron out some mechanical issues, then earned a second call-up in August — only to be shut down in mid-September with a knee injury.

The right-hander went 2-12 with a 6.52 ERA in 21 starts, striking out 82 batters over 98 innings while posting a 1.55 WHIP.

He posted a solid 3.46 ERA in road starts, but struggled at home, where the altitude appeared to fuel a homer-prone stretch that ballooned his home ERA to 9.98.

It has been reported that the fireballer has been putting in work with outside coaches to iron out his mechanics, particularly addressing the coil in his leg kick that was forcing him to throw across his body.

With all the mechanical adjustments he's made added to the high-upside he possesses, Dollander looks like the clear frontrunner to be Colorado's breakout pitcher this season.

Ryan Feltner is another name worth considering, having started just six games last season after battling back and shoulder issues.

This offseason, Colorado brought in veteran starters Michael Lorenzen, Tomoyuki Sugano, and Jose Quintana on one-year deals, hoping to add some stability to the rotation and give younger pitchers like Dollander a few seasoned voices to lean on.

Their strategy is clear by targeting pitchers who can attack the zone at altitude while limiting walks — an area Dollander will need to address after issuing 49 free passes over 98 innings, translating to an 11.1% walk rate.

Armed with sharper command and the confidence to go right after hitters on the first pitch, Dollander looks like a pitcher ready to turn heads in 2026.