With the 9th pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, the Colorado Rockies selected a RHP out of the University of Tennessee, Chase Dollander. The Rockies who are always in need of pitching help, took Dollander with the hope the 6’2″ right-hander could anchor down the rotation in a couple of years. For now, he will be one of the top Rockies prospects with eyes on the bigs as he works his way through the minors.
Pitching in Colorado is always a struggle. Kyle Freeland, the opening-day starter this season, has a career ERA of 4.52. Given the inflated numbers it can produce, no free-agent pitcher wants to pitch in Denver at that altitude for half their games each season. The Rockies need to rely on developing their homegrown talent if they want to be successful in their rebuild.
The Start for Colorado Rockies Prospect Chase Dollander
After this past spring, Dollander finds himself in High-A Spokane Indians of the Northwest League. Finally, in the Indians opening game against the Vancouver Canadians, Dollander was able to make his pro debut.
Dollander, who is only 22 years old, can get his fastball up to 98 mph, throws a sharp slider in the upper 80s, a curveball, and an above-average changeup also in the upper 80s. He shined at Tennessee, pitching to a 3.73 career ERA. In 217 innings, he was able to rack up 292 strikeouts, which was good enough for a 12.1 K/9. He also had a respectful 4.11 K/BB rate.
Chase Dollander is the number two overall Rockies prospect, only behind Adele Amador. He is the number 8 RHP prospect and the 48th overall prospect in the league.
The Rockies prospect took that opening-day opportunity and ran with it. It was his home opener and pro debut, and he absolutely shoved. Dollander pitched 5 shutout innings with 8 strikeouts and 3 walks while not surrendering a single hit. He was able to command the zone well, with 55 of his 85 pitches being thrown for strikes.
After his first professional start, #Rockies prospect Chase Dollander has still not surrendered a base hit.
The no. 9 pick in the 2023 MLB Draft was marvelous in his pro debut with High-A Spokane.
Final line: 5.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 8 K on 85 pitches pic.twitter.com/YoWqJYmbaV
— Patrick Lyons (@PatrickDLyons) April 6, 2024
A lot of pressure is on Chase Dollander to do well. His pro debut was better than many could have expected. He isn’t expected to join the club until 2026, but if he can build well off this first start, that could fast-track him. Colorado will need pitching year in and year out. If he can become what the Rockies think he can become, he’s set for an amazing career.
