The Rockies only have one Silver Slugger finalist right now, and that’s Hunter Goodman. But if you’re looking ahead, there’s a group of young bats in the system that could push Colorado into that conversation again before long.
At the top of that list is Charlie Condon, the most talked-about prospect in the organization and the oldest of the four. He put together a loud season at Triple-A Albuquerque, launching 26 home runs and even turning in one of the wildest individual performances of the year when he hit two grand slams in the same day.
Condon was productive all season, and the way he can punish pitchers both by keeping the ball in the park and sending it over the fence makes him look like a complete hitter. He’s the kind of player who could be in line for Silver Slugger recognition if everything keeps trending the way it has.
Roldy Brito brings a different kind of threat. The 19-year-old has been fearless at the plate and is showing it again in the Dominican Republic’s Winter Baseball League.
During the minor league season, Brito posted 10 homers and 41 steals, a combination that says plenty about his speed and his growing power. He’s spent time in the outfield and at second base, and second may end up being his best fit.
If that’s where he lands, the Rockies could have a real answer there for years to come. He’s another name with Silver Slugger upside.
Another young bat making noise is the left-handed outfielder who won MVP honors in the Dominican Summer League after hitting .422. He has also performed well this season at the Arizona Complex League, and MLB Pipeline recently named him Rockies Prospect of the Year.
He’s only 19, and the more muscle he adds, the more dangerous his bat should become. If the development keeps moving in the right direction and injuries stay away, he could reach the majors in three years and make an immediate impact.
Then there’s Jackson, who could be the next Rockies catcher to follow Goodman. His time at Georgia was just the start, and the expectation is that more reps in the minors will help him become a serious hitter in the pros.
At 21, he already stands out for his bat speed and strength at the plate. He’s also more athletic and flashier than most catchers, which only adds to the appeal.
In the next five years, he has the look of another future Silver Slugger candidate.