Spring training is in full swing, and while it's early days, one Rockies player is already making waves. T.J. Rumfield is turning heads with his impressive performance, and his recent power surge is hard to ignore.
Rumfield smashed his third homer in just two days, extending the Rockies' lead to 11-3. It's a statement-making start for the player vying for Colorado's open first base slot. He's competing against the likes of Edouard Julien, Blake Crim, Troy Johnston, and standout prospect Charlie Condon, who's also been impressive with a .600 average and a couple of home runs.
The Rockies' front office might have pulled off a savvy move by acquiring Rumfield from the Yankees. Originally New York's No. 22 prospect, he was traded to Colorado in exchange for reliever Angel Chivilli. While Chivilli has potential, especially with his powerful arm, Coors Field presents its own challenges for pitchers, and the fit just wasn't right.
Rumfield's journey began when the Phillies picked him in the 12th round of the 2021 draft. After a trade to the Yankees, he found himself stuck behind a packed roster featuring emerging talent like Ben Rice and veteran Paul Goldschmidt. Despite posting a solid 121 wRC+ and 16 home runs with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, he couldn't break into the Yankees' lineup.
Now with the Rockies, Rumfield is making the most of his opportunity. He's leading the team with three home runs, slashing an impressive .364/.500/1.182, with four RBIs, two walks, and just one strikeout in seven games.
As the Rockies prepare to face the Padres with a 5-2 spring training record, Rumfield's performance is positioning him as a strong contender for the Opening Day roster. If he keeps this up, the Rockies' decision to bring him on board might just look like a stroke of genius.