Colorado Rockies 2022 MLB Draft Report Card

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Best Pure Hitter: OF Sterlin Thompson (1) has been praised for his hitting ability dating back to his high school days, when he was a top-200 draft prospect. Ranked No. 29 in the 2022 draft class, Thompson showed above-average hitting ability in the SEC, with great results against 93-plus mph velocity in a large sample. Thompson slashed .307/.351/.436 in his pro debut between the Arizona Complex League and the California League, with a 109 wRC+.

Best Power Hitter: OF Jordan Beck (1s) produced some of the best exit velocities in the 2022 draft class and has easy plus raw power with a large and physical 6-foot-3, 225-pound frame. He homered 18 times with Tennessee during the spring and hit 10 extra-base hits in a 26-game pro debut between the ACL and California League—perhaps most impressive for Beck was a low chase rate (11%) and more walks (21) than strikeouts (20).

Fastest Runner: SS Ryan Ritter (4) is a solid runner, but scouts really liked his range at shortstop, while OF Brad Cumbest (9) is a standout athlete who earned plus running grades from amateur scouts.

Best Defensive Player: Ritter (4) is a pure shortstop with fluid actions who has the ability to make all of the necessary throws to stick at the position in the majors. He was viewed as one of the best defensive shortstops in the college class and ranked first as the best defensive infielder on our best tools list, among college players.

Best Fastball: RHP Gabriel Hughes (1) increased his fastball velocity during the 2022 season and sat in the 93-94 mph range while getting the pitch up to 97-98 at peak. His command of the pitch improved during the 2022 season with Gonzaga as well, and he generated close to a 40% whiff rate when throwing the pitch up in the strike zone.

Best Secondary Pitch: LHP Carson Palmquist (3) throws from a low slot and found plenty of success with an above-average, low-80s changeup. That’s one of the most consistent secondaries in this class, but RHP Jackson Cox (2) might have the most exciting one—a knee-buckling, high-spin curveball that has earned double-plus future grades.

Best Pro Debut: Thompson (1) acquitted himself nicely in his pro debut while getting time at third base and right field, though Beck’s (1s) swing decisions would make him a candidate for this category as well. Ritter (4) played fewer games than Thompson and Beck and exclusively played in the ACL, but he hit for plenty of extra-base pop (six extra-base hits, .680 SLG, .360 ISO) in his limited time.

Best Athlete: Beck (1s) is a standout athlete given his size, strength and power, but Ritter (4) could also fit for this category thanks to his silky smooth actions at one of the tougher defensive positions on the diamond.

Most Intriguing Background: Cumbest (9) was a dual sport athlete in high school and college. As a wide receiver and tight end, he had 66 receptions, 1,359 yards and 14 touchdowns during two seasons in high school, and he was a member of Mississippi State’s football team as a tight end before focusing exclusively on baseball near the end of his career. 

Closest To The Majors: Palmquist (3) has the stuff and deception from the left side to move quickly in a reliever role. He pitched in just one game during his pro debut this summer, but it was out of the bullpen after he transitioned to a starting role for Miami during the spring. Palmquist might have the control to start, but his stuff plays better out of the pen.

Best Late-Round Pick (Or NDFA): The Rockies believe RHP Blake Adams (13) has a plus fastball to go along with a solid mix of secondary offerings. He signed for $125,000 on day three and has a chance to throw harder in the future, though he sits 92-93 mph now and touches 95. 

The One Who Got Away: The Rockies signed each of their 22 selections in the 2022 draft class.