The Colorado Rockies have recently recalled an outfield/first base prospect. With Hunter Goodman recalled, the team sent down Michael Toglia. He is expected to fill in for Nolan Jones, who is dealing with a stiff back. The 24-year-old was a fourth-round draft pick by the Rockies in 2021 out of the University of Memphis.
The Rockies announced today that they have recalled UTL Hunter Goodman from Triple-A Albuquerque and have optioned INF/OF Michael Toglia to Triple-A.
— Rockies Club Information (@RockiesClubInfo) April 24, 2024
Cup of Coffee in the Bigs
Before getting called up this year, Goodman had a cup of coffee in the big leagues last season. He played in 23 games, garnering 70 plate appearances. With those plate appearances, Goodman hit a low .200 and .632 OPS, which was good enough for a 62 OPS+. He struck out 24 times compared to only 5 walks. On the bright side, though, 8 of his 14 hits were for extra-bases.
Minor League Career
Goodman’s time in the minors has been nothing but spectacular. In his first pro season in 2022, he hit 36 home runs and made it all the way up to Double-A. He followed that amazing season up with another 30-home run campaign across Double-A Hartford and Triple-A Albuquerque. Before getting the call this year, Goodman had picked up where he left off, already slugging 7 big flies and 22 RBIs. Cumulatively, in the minors, Goodman is hitting at a .281 clip with an OPS of .933. He does have a strikeout problem, though. He has 299 Ks in 1077 at-bats. Compare that to only 100 total walks.
Hunter Goodman has some serious raw power.
He had back-to-back seasons with 30 HR/100 RBI in 2022 and 2023. He already had 7 HR/22 RBI in just 20 games before his call-up this season.
— Kirk Snyder (@dynastyinfo411) April 25, 2024
Hunter Goodman Recalled for 2024 Debut
The outfield prospect started the season off strong, and with a slew of outfield injuries, the fans get to see Hunter Goodman recalled during this past series against San Diego. He made his season debut as a pinch-hitter for Jake Cave. He didn’t record a hit and struck out against closer Robert Suarez in the ninth. In the series finally against Randy Vasquez, Goodman was thrust into the starting lineup. His day wasn’t going too well until an eighth-inning matchup against lefty Wandy Peralta. With the Rockies trailing 9-4 at this point and runners on first and second, Goodman sent a 2-0 hanging changeup into the left field bleachers. 106.5 mph off the bat and 448 feet.
The Rockies ended up scoring 6 runs in that eighth inning and were able to complete a come-from-behind 10-9 victory. The rally was propelled by the home run by Hunter Goodman. Who knows how long Goodman will maintain a spot on the active roster with Nolan Jones not expected to be sidelined for long. But if he can continue to do what he’s done his entire pro career, mash, it will be hard for Colorado to send him back down.
