As the Colorado Rockies prepare for the 2026 season, the organization is closely evaluating its prospects. A recent analysis identifies five players whose stock has risen significantly in 2025, alongside five others facing pressure to prove themselves in the upcoming year. This assessment focuses on prospects who have yet to debut or those retaining rookie eligibility.
Players on the Rise
Welinton Herrera has emerged as a promising left-handed reliever. The Rockies added Herrera to their 40-man roster in November 2025 to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft. He showcased his talent with a remarkable 0.49 ERA in 15 appearances for the High-A Spokane Indians and maintained a solid 3.50 ERA in 37 games at Double-A. Herrera also earned the save for the National League in the Futures Game, highlighting his potential.
Another standout is Cole Carrigg, a versatile player drafted in the second round of 2023. Carrigg, a switch-hitter known for his speed, had a noteworthy season at Double-A Hartford in 2025, despite a spike in his strikeout rate to 27%. If he can refine his hitting and build upon his 15 home runs from last season, he could soon be making his mark at Coors Field.
Jackson Cox, the second-round pick from 2022, faced challenges early in his career due to Tommy John surgery, which sidelined him for all of 2024. His return in 2025 was promising, as he achieved a 3.71 ERA across 23 starts at Low-A Fresno. Continuing this upward trajectory could see him develop into a mid-rotation starter in the majors.
Jared Thomas, selected in the second round of 2024, has made significant strides, particularly in the Arizona Fall League, where he posted a .302 batting average in 17 games. He finished 2025 with a solid .300 average between High-A and Double-A, showcasing his speed and power, which could translate well at the major league level.
Lastly, Sterlin Thompson, the 31st overall pick in 2022, is nearing a big league debut after an impressive season in Triple-A, where he recorded a slash line of .296/.392/.519. With his recent addition to the 40-man roster, Thompson is expected to compete actively for a spot in the Rockies’ outfield in 2026.
Players with Something to Prove
On the flip side, Zac Veen, who debuted in 2025, struggled at the major league level with a mere .118 average over 12 games. Following this brief stint, he spent the remainder of the season in Triple-A Albuquerque. Veen, the ninth overall pick in 2020, will need to demonstrate significant improvement to secure a lasting position on the roster.
Gabriel Hughes, the Rockies’ tenth overall pick in 2022, was also added to the 40-man roster in November, signalling the organization’s belief in his potential. After undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2023, Hughes returned to pitch in the Arizona Fall League in 2024 but struggled in 2025 with a 5.11 ERA in Triple-A. His performance in 2026 will be critical for his future with the team.
Meanwhile, Benny Montgomery, the eighth overall pick in 2021, has faced significant injury setbacks, including a groin injury in 2022, a knee injury in 2023, and season-ending shoulder surgery in 2024. His absence from the latest Rockies’ Top 30 prospects rankings underscores the need for him to remain healthy and productive in 2026.
Additionally, Charlie Condon, the third overall pick in the 2024 draft, had a challenging start due to a bone spur in his finger, followed by a wrist injury that limited his play in 2025. Condon’s potential is clear, but he needs to demonstrate his power, having hit only 15 home runs in 124 games.
Lastly, Ethan Holliday, the Rockies’ first-round selection at fourth overall last summer, carries high expectations. With the skill set to be a future star, Holliday must focus on excelling in his first full professional season, particularly in Class-A, if the Rockies are to have hope for competitive success in the coming years.
The Rockies’ development of these prospects will be pivotal as the team aims to strengthen its roster and return to competitiveness in Major League Baseball. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as these young players embark on their 2026 campaigns.
