Regular season play in MLB has resumed following the All-Star break and the Colorado Rockies took down the New York Yankees 7-2 to begin the second half of play and bring their record to 35-57. On pace for 100 losses on the season, the focus for 2023 is on the prospects and the farm system.
Starting the second half with a #ROXWIN pic.twitter.com/vsPmZNqeuj
— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) July 15, 2023
In mid-June, the analysis of the state of the farm system showed a cause for concern based on the performances of several of the top prospects and the lack of depth in the farm. Now, one month later and post-MLB Draft, it is time to re-evaluate the state of the Rockies’ system.
Colorado Rockies Farm System Update After the Break
Rockies No. 1 Prospect SS Adael Amador
In the June check-in on the farm, Amador was tearing it up with a .918 OPS and was the team’s No. 2 overall prospect. He has only improved from there, moving up to the No. 1 prospect for the Rockies and No. 23 in MLB overall, his OPS is still above .900 at .905 and he is up to 27 extra-base hits.
With 31 walks to 26 strikeouts and strong gap power, he shows impressive plate awareness skills with a high ceiling when playing at somewhere like Coors. Although he underwent surgery on his Hamate earlier this month, things are looking good for the middle infielder.
Rockies No. 2 Prospect OF Zac Veen
Despite season-long struggles, Veen is still the second-ranked prospect in the Rockies farm system and is the No. 70 prospect in MLB. In last month’s update on June 14th, he had an OPS of .607 and he had gotten it up slightly to .611 before his season ended June 22.
Like Amador, Veen underwent surgery that ended his 2023 season short. Unlike Amador, Veen’s injury and surgery were to his left wrist and will keep him out at least through the end of the year.
Having suffered the injury before the 2022 All-Star Break, his lack of production and power is directly impacted at least slightly by complications caused by the injury, leading to the belief that he will regain his top-prospect form in 2024.
Rockies No. 3 Prospect OF Yanquiel Fernandez
Playing in three different levels in 2023, Fernandez is tearing his way through the minor leagues. Through 58 games in A+ ball, he slashed .319/.354/.605 with 34 extra-base hits and 64 RBI for a .959 OPS. Since getting the call to AA, he has continued that dominance.
Through 14 games thus far in AA, he is slashing .224/.328/.531 with five extra-base hits and a .859 OPS. No matter the level, the power clearly plays. It is all about unlocking a more consistent contact tool to get Fernandez ready for the next level. Still just 20 years old with an MLB ETA of 2025, next season will surely help develop that tool.
Rockies No. 11 Prospect RHP Jordy Vargas
From the Major League level to the bottom levels of the farm system, the Rockies struggle with maintaining and developing pitching talent. Still, their No. 11 overall prospect has shown signs of a high ceiling in 2023.
Through 13 starts and 65 innings at A-ball, he has a 4.22 ERA with 69 strikeouts to 24 walks, with a 1.23 WHIP and a .239 batting average against. With a 55-grade slider and 50-grade fastball and changeup, he utilizes his knowledge of pace and sequencing to get his hitters off balance and out.
Rockies No. 16 Prospect SS Dyan Jorge
The Rockies gave Jorge a franchise record $2.8 million in January 2022 to join the team out of Cuba. In 2023 he dominated rookie ball and has seen success in A-ball after moving up. It has not been as good as his play in rookie ball, but it certainly still shows signs of promise for the 20-year-old middle fielder.
In seven games in A-ball so far, he has a .801 OPS and an impressive .345 batting average. While he is not going to be a power hitter, his contact and speed tools will play at any level, as well as being a good fit as a player to find the large gaps in Coors outfield.
Rockies 2023 First-Round Pick Chase Dollander
After being the ninth pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, Dollander looks to become a top prospect in the Rockies’ system immediately. His dominant 10-0 2022 SEC Pitcher of the Year campaign made him a favorite to be the top pick in this year’s draft, and despite struggles in 2023, he has a high upside.
With mechanics similar to Jacob deGrom and an elite fastball, his skills can have an impact within a few short years.
Main photo credits:
Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
Players mentioned:
Adael Amador, Zac Veen, Yanquiel Fernandez, Jordy Vargas, Dyan Jorge, Chase Dollander, Jacob deGrom
