10 Underrated Rockies Prospects to Watch in 2026
Baseball America's Top 30 Rockies Prospects for 2026 have been revealed, but there's more to uncover beyond the top ranks. Here's a closer look at 10 players who just missed the cut but possess immense potential for breakout seasons or future MLB careers.
- TJ Rumfield (1B)
Rumfield, acquired from the Yankees for Angel Chivilli, is a consistent contact hitter with a lift-the-ball approach. However, he needs to increase his impact at the plate, as his chase rates and strikeout total rose in 2025. His defense is steady, but his arm and speed are below average.
- Sandy Ozuna (RHP)
At 6-foot-3, Ozuna is a projectable right-hander with a smooth, repeatable delivery. His fastball touches 97 mph, and he boasts above-average command and a bat-missing gyro slider. While his changeup is a work in progress, evaluators see high upside in this arm.
- Luichi Casilla (LHP)
Casilla's arm injury in the fall instructional league led to Tommy John surgery, ending his 2025 season. He features a fast arm, a higher arm slot, and a shorter arm action. His fastball sits 94-95 mph, touching 99 with heavy cut, and he complements it with a slurvy low-80s slider and an upper-80s cut-split changeup. Command remains below average.
- Konner Eaton (LHP)
Eaton, drafted in the sixth round out of George Mason in 2024, showed promise in his first full year of pro ball. He primarily pitched in High-A and had a brief stop in Double-A. His three-pitch mix, including a four-seam fastball at 93-94 mph, slider, and changeup, makes him a prospect to watch.
- Gregory Sanchez (RHP)
Sanchez, at 6-foot-4, had a strong pro debut in the Dominican Summer League in 2024 with a fastball averaging 94-96 mph. However, shoulder issues limited his playing time in 2025. He's set to showcase his strong slider and developing changeup in the Arizona Complex League this year.
- Ben Shields (LHP)
Shields, acquired from the Yankees at the Trade Deadline, missed the start of the season due to a hip ailment. He had a 2.33 ERA in 19.1 innings after arriving at Double-A Hartford, making him a prospect to watch in the Rockies' system.
- Kelvin Hidalgo (SS)
Hidalgo, who entered 2025 as a Top 30 prospect, saw his stock fall after a rough season in Low-A Fresno. He struggled with contact and struck out 125 times in his first full season. However, his athleticism and potential make him a player to watch for future adjustments.
- Antoine Jean (LHP)
Jean, the second-oldest player in the 2025 draft, underwent Tommy John surgery in 2023. He impressed in bridge and instructional leagues with a deceptive over-the-top delivery and a 93 mph four-seam fastball. He projects as a reliever.
- Sebastian Blanco (INF)
Blanco, a standout in the Dominican Summer League, represented Colorado in the league's All-Star Game. The 18-year-old is a twitchy athlete with strong defensive instincts and a knack for making contact. His average running speed could improve in the Arizona Complex League this year.
- Kevin Martinez (RHP)
Martinez, with a fastball in the high 80s, threw it for a 71.70% strike rate and allowed just seven walks to 40 strikeouts in the Dominican Summer League. His changeup and slider generate whiffs, making him a candidate to repeat the DSL or debut in the United States this year.
