BSB Prospects: 1-10
The day has come, the Top 10 Rockies Prospects, according to us, is here!! The 4-part series is complete….after you read through it (and then share).
The top 4 probably won’t surprise you, as they are names you are seeing on ALL of the Top 100 lists and beyond. It’s the 5 through 10 that may get your attention. Sit back, and enjoy, preferably with a cup of coffee as we wait for these top prospects to get their first cup of Coors joe in the next few years!
31-35 ——————————— 21 - 30 —————————————— 11 - 20
10: Gabriel Hughes - RHP, 21 yo
Hughes is the most recent first-round pitcher for the Rockies since Ryan Rolison in 2018. Hughes comes with a similar high-floor, limited-upside profile although his mid-90s fastball and solid slider give him an outside shot of being a little more than a mid-rotation starter. The pedigree and intangibles of Hughes really stand out. He would potentially be applying to medical school as we speak if it weren’t for his prodigious baseball talent and he’s an absolute bulldog of a competitor. It will be interesting to see how Hughes looks after some time off from a workhorse collegiate season against professional talent.
9: Jordy Vargas - 19 yo, RHP
Jordy Vargas may be HIM. The 19-year-old has caught the eyes of many across the scouting arena, and it is not without warrant. You could argue this is the most live arm the Rockies have in the system. Projected as having 3 plus pitches with solid command, the Dominican Republic product is the real deal. Pitching 24.2 innings at Fresno last season, Vargas posted a 0.638 WHIP and struck out 40! Yeah, those are real stats, not my MLB The Show numbers. The Rockies’ international talent is a big beautiful list of some dawgs and Vargas deserves to be at the top of it!
8: Joe Rock - 22 yo, LHP
Love us some Rock! The big lefty out of Ohio University is a menace when is on the bump. Posting high SO/9 numbers as a starter, 9.11 in Spokane while posting a 12.38 in Hartford across Hartford. He has some work to do with runners on and his walks are a little high, but the quality of pitches is top-notch with an above-average slider that is competing for the most fun pitch in the minors. Joe Rock’s mental component will take him to the big leagues and some experts, not in the Rox organization or at BSB, predict that Joe may be a better fit for the Barn. Either way, you have an electric lefty making his way through the system! Fully expect him to head the rotation in Hartford along with Case Williams. Banter Session:
7: Benny Montgomery- 20 yo, OF
Benny Montgomery is another potential superstar outfielder for the future. He was a top-10 draft pick in 2021 and compares well to Zac Veen, who is a year above him in development. The 20-year-old is 6’4 and a lot of scouts believe he will grow into his power as he ages. Probably the most interesting part of Montgomery is who he is off the field. He went viral last summer for his quirky Borat and Elton John autographs which have exploded in popularity and could become a collector's dream when Montgomery makes the majors. Whenever a camera is on him, you can expect him to make a funny face and make people laugh. Benny Montgomery has all the talent in the world to become a remarkable baseball player and will become a fan favorite.
6: Jaden Hill - 23 yo, RHP
The Rockies haven’t had a true ACE prospect in some time, but Jaden Hill just might be the closest thing to one. The Rockies took him in the 2nd round of the 2021 draft which can be debated as a smart move or a silly move. Hill’s NCAA career ended early due to Tommy John surgery. His recovery seems to be going nicely, after spinning 17.2 innings across the ACL and Fresno, he struck out 14 in that time while posting 95+ fastball speeds and insane breaking stuff. The Rockies are high on Hill, get it, and so are we. You can fully expect Jaden to make quick work of Spokane and be one of the first arms to be promoted.
5: Warming Bernabel - 20 yo, IF
The 20-year-old third baseman is set to take a big step in his young career. After spending the last season bouncing around Single-A leagues, he has been added to the Rockies’ 40-man roster. During his time in those leagues, he dominated the competition, it was highlighted by his time in Fresno, where he batted .317 with a .894 OPS. He possesses good size for a big-league player at 6’2, 205, and has good speed for his size. His defense is good enough to play, and he has experience at shortstop. All in all, Bernabel is a pure hitter who is definitely in the Rockies plans. With all the infield talent in the Rockies system, it's hard to predict the future of his game.
4: Drew Romo- 21, C
Romo has emerged as a fan favorite already because of his potential to be a revelation at catcher. Defensively, there are no question marks and Romo will be a big leaguer because of his glove alone. Fortunately, the Woodlands HS (TX) product has the tools to be a contributor to the dish as well. The expectations offensively should be tempered for now but the likelihood of an above-average overall catcher is strong.
3: Adael Amador - 19 yo, MIF
Amador was a prized international signing in 2019 which should make it no surprise that in his first full season in pro ball, he went off. There was never a doubt he’d hit, the question was whether there would be any power, if he’d play a good enough SS, and if his speed would be a difference-making tool. The answer to all three of those questions appears to be: absolutely. Amador flashed 20-homer power, looks to be average or better at SS and stole 26 bags in 115 games. Again, we knew he’d hit but a .415 OBP with more walks than strikeouts is still impressive. Come this time next year, Amador has a strong chance to be the Rockies’ #1 prospect, even if Zac Veen doesn’t graduate.
2: Ezequiel Tovar- 21 yo, SS
You already know the name. Ezequiel Tovar is entering his major league career, and that should give Rockies fans plenty to celebrate about. Tovar has been touted as the best defensive player in the Rockies farm system, but it's what he does on the offensive side of things that makes him so dangerous. Last season, he played both AA and AAA ball, averaging .319 with a .927 OPS. He hasn't seemed to struggle with the raise in talent across the leagues, and that trend should continue in the major league. The hype for Tovar is insurmountable, and it's easy to see why. A franchise shortstop would be a great start to getting banners hung up at Coors.
1: Zac Veen- 21 yo, OF
One of the most decorated and discussed prospects in Rockies’ history. Zac Veen is a 6’4 outfielder that can be easily spotted on the field. Throughout the past couple of years, Veen has become one of the “can't miss” prospects in all of baseball. He has the perfect build for a Coors Field slugger and is a natural on the base paths, allowing his team to play small ball when he gets on base. Richard Monfort and Bill Schmidt have been adamant about Veen playing center field, but also see the realism in him taking a corner outfield role. Although the hype may be fun, Rockies fans will most likely have to wait until 2024 to see Veen as a full-time player.
