After a disappointing 2022 trade deadline that saw the Colorado Rockies sit on their hands without making a move, the 2023 trade deadline was the antithesis of that. The front office had a plan and executed it well, trading players that will not be a part of future success for prospects who might.
Focusing on getting pitching prospects back, the Rockies got a few players that do not have the highest ceilings but certainly fit the timeline of the position-player prospects already in the Rockies’ system.
The Good, Not Great, Colorado Rockies Trade Deadline
The Trades
In their first move, the Rockies’ dealt one of their plethora of arms in Pierce Johnson to the Atlanta Braves for Victor Vodnik and Tanner Gordon, two right-handed pitching prospects to bulk up their system.
Afterward, they traded their two best available position players, first-baseman C.J. Cron and outfielder Randal Grichuck to the Los Angeles Angels for a left-handed pitching prospect in Mason Albright and a righty in Jake Madden.
Making only one addition, the team acquired a left-handed relief pitcher Justin Bruihl from the Los Angeles Dodgers, only departing from some cash in the transaction. On the same day, they made their final move of the deadline. In that deal, they made another trade with the Braves, sending Brad Hand for right-handed pitching prospect Alec Barger.
We have acquired RHP Alec Barger from the Atlanta Braves in exchange for LHP Brad Hand.
Thank you @bhand22 and good luck! pic.twitter.com/P0DDhe55pH
— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) August 1, 2023
All said and done, the team perfectly executed their plan to get young pitching from around the league that they hope will develop into future meaningful contributors. Madden is now the No. 20 prospect in the system, Albright is No. 21, Vodnik is No. 22, with Gordon and Barger ranking outside the top 30.
Future Potential
Seeing as the three prospects ranked in the system are all under 23, with Madden being 20 and Albright being 21, they are in line to make their MLB debut around 2026, just behind the top prospects in the Rockies’ system.
Madden has a 60-grade fastball and good movement but struggles with command, especially later in his starts. Having already had Tommy John surgery in high school, worries are apparent that it will affect his development and longevity.
Albright pitched well in A-ball with the Angels affiliate, with 79 2/3 innings to the tune of a 3.62 ERA to start the year, but struggled in 2022. He has four separate 50-grade pitches and comes with 50-grade command, pitching well from his 6-foot-0-inch frame.
Lastly, Vodnik features a dominating fastball-changeup combo that led to him posting a 2.93 ERA in 27 2/3 AAA innings in 2022. His biggest gripe is an underdeveloped third pitch, but he is working on a slider. If he unlocks that slider, he carries the highest ceiling of the three.
Farm Loaded With Bats
The Rockies easily made the right move by getting fresh arms in the system. Eight of the top nine prospects are position players. Luckily for the Rockies’, their talent is spread pretty well around the diamond.
Their top prospect, 20-year-old shortstop Adael Amador is the 22nd-ranked prospect in all of MLB. Then, the second through fourth prospects are all outfielders. Zac Veen, Yanquiel Fernandez, and Jordan Beck are all on pace for the MLB by 2025.
Drew Romo is next, being the future backstop of the team with a 2024 ETA at 21 years old. Benny Montgomery is a fourth outfielder, with Warming Bernabel and Sterlin Thompson both having third base as their primary position.
Pitching is still a relative need, but their recent first-round draft pick Chase Dollander is sure to help things. Furthermore, the nature of the roster construction allows the team to have money for free agents when they are ready to contend in the mid-to-late 2020s.
Lastly, the Rockies already have a couple of players that will aid their future contention with the big league club. Ezequiel Tovar and Nolan Jones both are part of the future plan of the team. On a side note, if they commit to contending in 2026, Germán Márquez will still only be 31 years old with years left on his arm.
Main photo credits:
Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Players mentioned:
Pierce Johnson, Victor Vodnik, Tanner Gordon, C.J. Cron, Mason Albright, Jake Madden, Justin Bruihl, Brad Hand, Alec Barger, Adael Amador, Zac Veen, Yanquiel Fernandez, Jordan Beck, Drew Romo, Benny Montgomery, Warming Bernabel, Sterlin Thompson, Chase Dollander, Ezequiel Tovar, Nolan Jones, German Marquez
