Takeaways from the Rockies Top 30 Prospects

On Wednesday, March 4, Major League Baseball Pipeline released the initial top 30 ranking for the Colorado Rockies’ farm system. The headliners are obvious, as they are the only two players in Colorado’s farm system currently ranked in the top-100 by MLB Pipeline. Ethan Holliday (24th overall), 19, son of franchise legend Matt Holliday, leads the way, followed by Charlie Condon (70th overall). Condon was drafted third overall in the first round of the 2024 Major League Baseball draft out of the University of Georgia. Holliday was drafted fourth overall in the first round of the 2025 MLB Draft out of Stillwater High School in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Both players will look to help bring winning baseball back to Colorado in the next few years.

Plenty of Intrigue in Top Ten

Aside from Condon being the number two prospect in the top 30, he has to be the most intriguing prospect to watch this spring. Condon is off to a great start in Cactus League play and is one of the candidates for the Rockies’ open first base spot on the Opening Day roster. For what is undoubtedly going to be another long season, getting to see Condon on the Opening Day roster and his power potential at Coors would be a lot of fun. But there is another do-it-all player a few spots below Condon that deserves some attention.

The Swiss Army Knife

Cole Carrigg, 23, is a Swiss Army Knife for the Rockies drafted out of San Diego State University in the second round of the 2023 MLB Draft. MLB Pipeline grades Carrigg with average power, above-average speed, and a well-above average arm. With Brenton Doyle receiving heavy interest this offseason, if the Rockies ever decide to trade their veteran outfielder, Carrigg’s tools make him a prime in-house candidate to replace Doyle in centerfield.

On top of playing all over the diamond, Carrigg is a switch-hitter. Per MLB Pipeline, the Rockies are currently trying to get Carrigg to find a consistent approach and be present from pitch to pitch. He had an unsightly 145 Ks over 123 games in 2025 with Double-A Hartford. But if he can find a consistent approach and consistently get the bat to the ball, the sky is the limit for Carrigg’s potential. He fits the mold of the type of player the Rockies want. Elite speed combined with the ability to play all over the diamond. It will be intriguing to watch Carrigg continue to develop throughout the spring and this season.

Pitching Prospects To Watch

Currently, 13 pitchers reside in the Rockies’ top 30. Of those 13, three are in the top ten, including Griffin Herring (ninth), 22, a left-handed pitcher who came over from the New York Yankees last season at the Trade Deadline in the Ryan McMahon trade. Herring was part of the 2023 National Championship team at Louisiana State University, serving as an elite reliever for the Tigers. But he has starter potential in the Majors and has been stellar since coming over to the Rockies.

In his seven games with High-A Spokane last season, Herring was untouchable. Going 1-1 with a 2.40 ERA and 47 Ks to 13 BBs over 30 innings pitched in seven games. Opposing lineups managed to hit just .141 with only one home run against Herring. The Rockies’ front office needed a change, but in all fairness to former General Manager Bill Schmidt, he netted a solid return in the McMahon trade. Herring is reportedly very analytical with his game, which is always a plus when pitching at Coors.

He is still projected not to reach the Majors until 2027. But it will be interesting to see if he can keep up the stellar play as he progresses further in the Rockies’ system. Nevertheless, what Herring has shown so far is very encouraging, and he will be one of the top pitching prospects to keep an eye on in the Rockies’ system this year.

Gabriel Hughes

Going a little further down the list, Gabriel Hughes (16th) is finally healthy. Hughes, 24, is an imposing presence on the mound at 6’4″, 220 lbs. The right-hander was drafted out of Gonzaga University 10th overall in the first round of the 2022 MLB Draft. Hughes made a quick jump to Double-A Hartford in his first full season in the minors. But then suffered a setback when he underwent Tommy John surgery during the 2023 season.

But he participated in the 2024 Arizona Fall League and had a solid 2025 season between Double-A and Triple-A Albuquerque. In the very hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League with Albuquerque, Hughes went 4-3 with a 5.11 ERA and 48 Ks to 29 BBs over 61 2/3 IP in 14 games. Pitching stats in the PCL have to be taken with some apprehension due to the advantages the offenses have. The more important thing is Hughes still put up solid numbers and successfully stayed healthy over the 14 games.

Finishing the Season Strong

Including finishing out the season strong. In seven of his final 10 games, he allowed two earned runs or fewer. Including a four-game stretch from August 26 to September 12 in which he went at least five innings in each, allowing a total of four runs over 22 innings. With 15 Ks to seven BBs.

He still has not reached the velocity he had pre-injury, but is showing good progress if he can continue to stay healthy. So far in Cactus League play, he has pitched four spotless innings over two outings. Allowing just three hits with three Ks and zero BBs. MLB Pipeline projects that Hughes still has starter stuff if it can click. But is intrigued by the possibility of Hughes as a multi-inning reliever with his sinker-slider combination. The most important thing is Hughes is finally healthy and will look to prove his draft stock this season as he continues to work his way back from injury.

Outfielders Galore

The Rockies’ current glut of outfielders has been well covered this offseason. But the pipeline behind the Major League club is plenty crowded as well. Led by Condon, four of the top five prospects in the Rockies’ system are outfielders. Right outside the top ten are left-handed hitting Max Belyeu (12th), spring training darling Zac Veen (13th), and Sterlin Thompson (15th). Belyeu had a rough season with High-A Spokane and really struggled with Ks. But Belyeu was a great value add when the Rockies drafted him 74th overall in 2025. Additionally, he can hit the ball to all fields if he can manage to make more consistent contact.

Veen has added on a whopping 43 lbs this offseason. He is also now fully sober after working hard this offseason to get his baseball career back on track. Veen, a left-handed hitter, has been great in Cactus League play so far, including two mammoth walk-off home runs. It will be hard to crack a crowded outfield on the Opening Day roster. But Veen is off to a great start. Thompson raked at Triple-A last year, but has yet to reach the MLB.