For the first time in Rockies history, the club did not select a single high school player in the MLB draft.
Colorado used all 21 of its selections on college players from Sunday through Tuesday in an effort to bolster its farm system. The Rockies’ draft culminated on Day 3 with the selection of Vanderbilt catcher Alan Espinal in the 11th round followed by a run on pitching that saw them select pitchers withseven of their last nine picks. Most of those arms profile as relievers.
Colorado opened the draft by selecting Georgia slugger Charlie Condon at No. 3 overall on Sunday night. Then on Day 2, the Rockies picked up South Carolina catcher Cole Messina in the third round, followed by five more pitchers.
Overall, the club used 13 of its 21 selections on arms as the draft-and-build Rockies continue to stockpile pitchers with the hope that a few from each draft class eventually pan out as effective major leaguers.
Colorado’s college-heavy focus — in the three drafts before 2024, the Rockies only took one high school player each year — is in line with a league-wide trend that’s seen a decline in high school picks over the last decade.
Here’s a look at who the Rockies picked on Day 3 in Rounds 11 through 20.
Round 11, No. 318: C Alan Espinal, Vanderbilt
In 59 games for the Commodores this year, Espinal hit .289 with a .398 on-base percentage and .545 slugging. If he can cut down on strikeouts — 79 in 59 games this year — he has promising offensive potential. After the Rockies’ selection of Messina to open Day 2, Espinal is more prospect depth at an important defensive position.
Round 12, No. 348: LHP Everett Catlett, Georgetown
After missing the 2022 season due to injury, Catlett had a 7.48 ERA in 21 games (three starts) in ’23. But he took a huge step forward this year with a 3.36 ERA in 16 games (13 starts) with a 9.73 K-rate per nine innings. That improvement included his batting average against falling to .237 from .295 the year before. He’s a southpaw trending upwards.
Round 13, No. 378: LHP Justin Loer, LSU
Loer started his college career with two seasons at Xavier, where he posted two strong campaigns. In 2022, he had a 3.55 ERA in 15 games (three starts), then topped that in ’23 with a 1.89 ERA in 29 games (one start). At LSU, he had a team-high 26 appearances, with a 5.92 ERA and one save. Another southpaw bullpen prospect for Colorado.
Round 14, No. 408: RHP Sam Gerth, Navarro College
Gerth was ranked the No. 8 JuCo prospect heading into the 2024 season by Prep Baseball JUCO. He had a 6.47 ERA in 13 games (five starts) for Navarro and is the highest draft pick out of school since Chris Davis was taken in the fifth round in 2006.
Round 15, No. 438: RHP Luke Thelen, Western Michigan
The 6-foot-5 hurler got progressively better during his time at WMU. As a freshman, he had a 13.20 ERA in 13 games; as a sophomore, he had an 8.20 ERA in 12 games (10 starts); and this year, he had a 3.53 ERA in 25 games (three starts).
Round 16, No. 468 — OF/1B Kevin Fitzer, Cal State Northridge
Fitzer turned in three straight strong seasons at the dish while primarily playing left field on defense. After earning second-team All-Big West in ’23, he followed that up by slashing .321/.429/.631 in 46 games in ’24. He has some power and decent speed.
Round 17, No. 498: SS Nolan Clifford, Creighton
After averaging .249 through his first three years with the Jays, Clifford broke out in 2024, batting .348 in 41 games with a .469 on-base percentage and five homers. He also cut down on his K rate. A development prospect worth a late-round flier.
Round 18, No. 528 — RHP Tyler Hampu, Austin Peay
The righty posted a 7.69 ERA across two seasons at Austin Peay, but his strikeout rate is likely what attracted the Rockies: He had a 12.27 K-rate per nine. He was also durable out of the bullpen with 47 appearances in 2023 and ’24 combined.
Round 19, No. 558 — RHP Nathan Blasick, University of New Orleans
Blasick started his college career at West Virginia before transferring to New Orleans. In 24 appearances in ’24, he was 2-2 with a 3.93 ERA and 40 strikeouts in 34 1/3 innings pitched. He keeps the ball in the yard, as he allowed just one homer this year.
Round 20, No. 588 — RHP Hunter Omlid, Arizona State
Colorado’s final pick of the draft had a windy collegiate road, playing at Boise State, Central Arizona and Grand Canyon before landing at ASU. In 2024, he had a 6.69 ERA in 20 games (three starts) and is a high-strikeout guy (12.9 K-rate per nine).
Originally Published: July 16, 2024 at 12:21 p.m.
