As the Colorado Rockies navigate through a challenging season, the upcoming 2025 MLB Amateur Draft is poised to be crucial for the team’s future. Despite their struggles, the Rockies find themselves with the fourth overall pick, which presents an opportunity to secure promising talent that could help revitalize their roster.
Due to the current collective bargaining agreement, the Rockies are restricted from drafting in the top ten, making it imperative they make the most of their high pick. Historically, the team has faced challenges in making impactful first-round selections, so 2025 will be a test of their drafting abilities.
Among the top candidates for the Rockies is third baseman/shortstop Ethan Holliday from Stillwater High School in Oklahoma. Holliday, the son of Rockies legend Matt Holliday, is ranked as the number one draft prospect by MLB Pipeline. With a powerful and fluid swing, he demonstrates great potential as a left-handed hitter, although he has encountered some issues with fastballs and swing-and-miss tendencies. Notably, he has been making adjustments to his batting mechanics, which should enhance his prospects in the draft.
Another option for the Rockies is left-handed pitcher Liam Doyle from the University of Tennessee. Doyle has consistently impressed with his high strikeout rate, tallying 164 strikeouts in 95 2/3 innings alongside a solid 3.20 ERA. His ability to throw a powerful fastball, paired with a strong suite of secondary pitches, marks him as a standout option for the Rockies.
Additionally, lefty Jamie Arnold from Florida State University is also being considered a possible high pick. Arnold had similar success on the mound, averaging a 2.98 ERA over multiple seasons while showcasing a deceptive delivery and command over his pitches. His slider and changeup have been developed to enhance his effectiveness against hitters.
The Rockies have often touted their strategy of “draft and develop,” and this upcoming draft represents a pivotal moment in aligning their actions with this philosophy. As they prepare for a critical draft, the Rockies must ensure they choose wisely to lay the groundwork for a more successful future.
In minor league updates, the Rockies’ affiliates are also active, with the Albuquerque Isotopes hosting promotions and the Hartford Yard Goats maintaining a competitive lead in their division. Amidst the challenges at the major league level, there are signs of hope for development at the lower levels.
Overall, though the Rockies face difficulties, their upcoming draft has the potential to significantly shift the trajectory of the franchise. If they can secure and correctly develop promising young talent, the future could be brighter for Rockies baseball.