Two under-the-radar Rockies players looking to make an impact in 2026

Colorado will need a collective effort and performance from their team this season to return to competitive baseball.

The transformation begins at the top. The new front office is bolstering the team through free agency, bringing in veteran players to create a fresh atmosphere and positive energy within the clubhouse.

Here are two Rockies to watch in 2026 who could make a significant impact, despite not being household names.

Jake McCarthy

Colorado acquired the speedy outfielder this offseason, and he now partners with Brenton Doyle to cover the expansive outfield at Coors Field.

Despite entering the 2025 season with high expectations, he struggled, posting a .204 batting average, .591 OPS, and -0.7 bWAR in 67 games with the Diamondbacks. This led to a demotion to Triple-A Reno to work on his game.

McCarthy had a strong spring with the Rockies, posting a .354/.396/.479 line. He is now expected to lead off and play left field for the team.

It will be interesting to see how many stolen bases McCarthy will rack up this season, particularly given Colorado's stated intention to be more aggressive on the basepaths. He and Doyle should contribute a fair amount, giving the Rockies options to create some easy runs.

Several fantasy sites consider McCarthy a potential sleeper, with the possibility of stealing 20+ bases, which would be huge for the Rockies.

Playing at Coors Field should allow him to raise his batting average from last season and provide more opportunities on the basepaths.

Jaden Hill

I'm wondering if RJ Petit hadn't been sidelined for the season after Tommy John surgery, whether Hill would have made the bullpen, given that Colorado already has Antonio Senzatela and Chase Dollander occupying two spots.

Hill was a standout at Vanderbilt and made his debut with the Rockies in 2024, appearing in nine games, posting a 5.06 ERA over 10.2 innings pitched.

Similar to Petit, Hill had Tommy John surgery in 2021 at Vanderbilt, causing him to drop to the second round, where the Rockies selected him 44th overall. Initially a starting pitcher, Colorado later transitioned him into a reliever.

He was considered a potential top-five pick before the injury, boasting a fastball that reached 98 mph and a revamped changeup.

In 2025, the hard-throwing right-hander saw significant improvement, posting a 3.38 ERA over 29.1 innings and recording 31 strikeouts. He also allowed only two "barrels," the second-lowest total among MLB pitchers with 100+ batters faced.

An injury last season, including a right hamstring strain, led to time in Triple-A. However, Hill is looking to earn a high-leverage role this season and could be a key bullpen piece for Colorado in 2026.