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What to Expect from Rockies Pitcher Chase Dollander

Originally posted on New Baseball Media
By Chris Studley | Last updated Apr 5, 2025 2:19 PM ET

The Rockies are promoting arguably their best prospect, Chase Dollander, to debut during the team’s home opening weekend against the Athletics. It comes after a strong 2024 for Dollander, the ex-Tennessee ace who rebounded after an inconsistent 2023 campaign in Knoxville.

A Look at Dollander

Rockies right-hander Chase Dollander came into the 2023 college season as arguably the best pitcher available in the MLB Draft. Dollander dominated for the Volunteers in 2022, as he struck out 108 batters over 79 frames, surrendered just 50 hits, and led a Tennessee team that went 57-9 overall.

However, Dollander slipped that spring. Part of it was because of Paul Skenes, who rose from a borderline first-round pick to the top of the 2023 MLB Draft. The other part was Dollander struggled at points in 2023, as he gave up 83 hits over 89 frames, with a 4.75 ERA.

The Rockies, at #9, were able to get Dollander in July 2023. Colorado continued their trend of raiding Tennessee for talent. The team also selected Jordan Beck (2022) and Seth Halvorsen (2023).

Since then, Dollander stormed through the Minors. He struck out 169 over 118 innings in 2024, a season he spent between Spokane (A+) and Hartford (AA). Opposing batters hit just .215 off him. Dollander made one start in Albuquerque (AAA) before the promotion, as he struck out five for the Isotopes over four innings.

Dollander’s arsenal is highlighted by a power four-seam fastball that sat in the mid-to-high-90s at Tennessee. That velocity has held by and large as he’s transitioned to pro ball. Dollander sits primarily in the 95-98 MPH range but can flirt higher. He did hit 100 MPH on his start on March 30 once.

It doesn’t have high IVB (14.3” average in 2025). But, the fastball plays up with his delivery, one where the release point is more flat and the arm slot is lower. Thus, making it look like it’s rising.

Aside from the fastball, Dollander’s arsenal includes a good changeup with sink and running action, coupled with a curveball that breaks away from right-handed bats. He’ll also mix in a low-90s “slutter” of a cutter, along with a slider.

Chase Dollander 2025 Pitch Movement Via New Baseball Media

One area of concern — at least in Colorado — for Dollander is that his outs were heavily skewed toward the fly ball. Dollander, in essence, is a fly ball pitcher with that pitch profile, and the numbers (.60 GO/AO ratio in 2024) back that up.

That somewhat continued this spring for Dollander, a non-roster invite. Dollander led the Rockies in strikeouts (24). However, he also gave up five home runs over 17.2 IP.

In most ballparks, that wouldn’t be as much of a concern; in fact, it would be a bonus in places like Chicago (NL) or Detroit. At Coors Field, it’s a different story.

Chase Dollander is expected to make his Rockies debut on April 6 against the Athletics. The team confirmed the promotion.

Bah God, that’s Chase Dollander’s Music pic.twitter.com/3XyLU9YtoT
— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) April 4, 2025

Analysis

The Rockies went through the first week with four starters: Kyle Freeland, Ryan Feltner, German Marquez, and Antonio Senzatela. Colorado had an off day sprinkled into their road trip to Tampa and Philadelphia.

Dollander slots in as the #5 but more importantly, the Rockies’ potential ace of the future. Developing pitchers is vital for any organization — but more so for the Rockies. Colorado’s home makes it difficult to pitch in, meaning having reliable arms on the ready is important but not easy to pull off.

While the Rockies hit on some arms over the last decade, like Kyle Freeland and German Marquez, acquired from the Rays, a lot haven’t hit.

For Dollander, it’ll be interesting to see what kind of adjustments he’ll make at the next level. As noted earlier, he’s a fly-ball pitcher by trade. But, he does have weapons, including a cutter and changeup, that can be used to get ground balls.

Fantasy Impact

Even though Dollander is an intriguing strikeout pitcher, it’s tough to recommend any pitcher who calls Coors Field home. Especially, when taking into account that the Rockies are still in a rebuild.

Tread lightly on Dollander for now.

This article first appeared on New Baseball Media and was syndicated with permission.

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