Charlie Condon Turning Heads as Rockies Eye Future at First Base
The Rockies are in the middle of a reset - not just tweaking around the edges, but laying the groundwork for something more sustainable. And while the front office is focused on fixing what’s broken, there’s one piece they’re already feeling pretty good about: Charlie Condon.
The 2024 first-round pick - taken third overall out of Georgia - has quickly emerged as a cornerstone-type prospect. Despite battling through a right hand injury shortly after the Draft and fracturing his left wrist during Spring Training, Condon showed exactly why Colorado was so high on him once he got healthy. He put together a strong Minor League campaign that ended in Double-A Hartford, then followed it up with a standout showing in the Arizona Fall League.
Now, the question isn’t if Condon will make it to Coors Field - it’s when.
A Fast-Tracked Path to the Big Leagues?
After just one full season in pro ball, Condon is already penciled in for an invite to Major League Spring Training. That’s not just a courtesy - it’s a test. A chance to see how his advanced bat and mature approach stack up against Major League arms.
Normally, a player in his position would open the year back in Double-A or move up to Triple-A Albuquerque. But Rockies president of baseball operations Paul DePodesta isn’t ruling anything out - not even a scenario where Condon pushes his way onto the Opening Day roster.
“I’d say never say never on our players,” DePodesta said. “He had a really nice Fall League. He’s obviously a very talented player.”
The message is clear: Condon’s going to have to earn it. But the door is open.
The Bat Plays - and Plays Loud
Condon has the kind of offensive profile that makes scouts and execs lean forward. He makes hard contact against high-velocity pitching - we’re talking mid-90s and up - and his chase rate has stayed impressively low, both in the Minors and against elite competition in the Fall League.
That’s a big deal. Young hitters often struggle with discipline, especially when they’re seeing advanced breaking stuff for the first time.
Condon’s already showing signs he can adjust - and that’s what separates future stars from flameouts.
There’s still work to do, especially against breaking balls. He’s shown a tendency to swing and miss more often there, not necessarily because he can’t hit them, but because of pitch selection. That’s a refinement issue - one that often comes down to experience and reps.
“He has all the traits that you look for in a power hitter,” said Jesse Stender, the Rockies’ assistant director of player development. “He’s very selective at the plate, especially for someone who hasn’t been in pro ball that long.”
Condon’s willingness to work counts is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it speaks to his patience and confidence.
On the other, it means he’s often hitting with two strikes, which is a dangerous place to live at the upper levels. Pitchers in Double-A, Triple-A, and the Majors don’t mess around in two-strike counts - they bring their best, and the margin for error shrinks fast.
But the power is real. In his Draft year, Condon set the single-season BBCOR record with 37 homers.
That pop is starting to translate in pro ball, too - he launched 11 home runs in just 55 games for Hartford, in a league where the home run leader hit 24 in nearly twice as many games. His overall slash line in the Minors (.249/.351/.406) doesn’t jump off the page, but his Fall League numbers (.337/.439/.434) suggest he’s starting to find his groove.
Still Learning the Position
While Condon played all over the field at Georgia, the Rockies are focusing on developing him at first base. That’s where they see his long-term future - though they’re keeping the outfield in play, just in case.
“He got delayed a little bit [by injuries], but given the lack of reps, he’s taking to it quite well,” Stender said. “He’s a big boy, but he can move.
The first step and the quickness will come, but the hands work. If you watch him, he looks comfortable around the bag.”
That’s a good sign for a player still adjusting to the pro game. First base might not carry the same defensive demands as shortstop or center field, but it’s not a position you can fake.
Footwork, timing, instincts - they all matter. And the Rockies like what they’re seeing so far.
What the Depth Chart Says
Right now, the Rockies’ first base situation at the Major League level is in flux. Blaine Crim and Troy Johnston are the current options - both late-blooming power bats who made their MLB debuts in their late 20s. They’re serviceable, but neither has the ceiling that Condon brings to the table.
The front office could still bring in a veteran bat, but the long-term plan is pretty clear: Condon is being groomed as the guy.
And it’s not just about the numbers. Condon’s maturity has stood out from the jump. He helped push Hartford into playoff contention late last season and earned the Dernell Stenson Sportsmanship Award during the Fall League - a reflection of his leadership, clubhouse presence, and connection with fans.
Spring Training Will Tell the Story
Spring Training will be Condon’s next big test. It’s where he’ll get a chance to show how far he’s come - not just with the bat, but with his defensive instincts, game awareness, and ability to handle the moment.
“I need to get to know him better and get some of those details,” DePodesta said. “The good news for us is he’s versatile defensively and he played at a great college program at a very high level, so a lot of those things are more advanced than maybe a typical Draft pick.”
The Rockies aren’t rushing him. But they’re also not putting artificial limits on his rise. If Condon keeps hitting, keeps adjusting, and keeps showing he belongs, the timeline might move faster than anyone expected.
And if that happens, it won’t be a surprise - it’ll be the natural next step for a player who already looks like he belongs.