In Scottsdale, Arizona, Team Israel's search for a shortstop in the World Baseball Classic could boost the Major League prospects of Rockies' No. 3 prospect, Cole Carrigg. This switch-hitting dynamo was a standout in the outfield for Double-A Hartford last season, but his roots trace back to being a shortstop in college, a role that could now spotlight his impressive arm strength.
Carrigg, selected in the second round of the 2023 MLB Draft out of San Diego State, showcased his versatility by leading the Eastern League with 18 assists, primarily from center field. Although he just missed the top spot in the Minors, his skills in various positions make him a valuable asset. With Polish and Jewish ancestry, Carrigg qualifies for Team Israel, aligning perfectly with the Rockies' new management, which values multi-positional players.
"I wanted to keep the versatility piece alive," Carrigg shared. With GM Josh Byrnes familiar with his college days, Carrigg's adaptability could be a significant boon for the Rockies. "Being able to play a position, whatever it is, is a great aspect to offer."
Carrigg, turning 24 in May, combines speed with arm strength. He led the Minors in triples in 2024 and amassed 99 stolen bases over the last two seasons, ranking him 13th among Minor Leaguers. His performance in Double-A last season was impressive, finishing second in runs and fourth in stolen bases.
While injuries and spring performance could alter plans, Carrigg is set to start the year at Triple-A Albuquerque, eyeing a potential Major League debut in 2026. With Ezequiel Tovar, a Gold Glove Award winner, holding down shortstop and a strong outfield lineup, Carrigg has time to develop.
To gear up for the Classic and give the Rockies a glimpse of his skills at shortstop, Carrigg is focusing on individual skill development. He’s honing his outfield skills during batting practice while primarily working at shortstop.
Carrigg made an immediate impact, starting at shortstop against the Diamondbacks in the Cactus League opener. Rockies manager Warren Schaeffer praised him: "He plays like a wild horse with his hair on fire.
We need more of that. It's all about refinement without losing his energy."
To make it to the Majors, Carrigg knows he must find consistency at the plate. Last season, he posted a .237/.316/.394 slash line with 15 home runs and 64 RBIs. His struggles against right-handed pitching, hitting .229, highlight areas for growth.
"I hit a rough patch at the end of summer, so I knew I needed to figure some things out," Carrigg admitted. "Better to hit a bad stretch in the Minors than in The Show. I learned a lot this offseason and I'm ready to hit the ground running for spring."
Carrigg's journey is one to watch, as his dynamic skills and versatility could soon make waves in the Major Leagues.