Roc Riggio finally got the kind of moment every player remembers. In Wednesday’s game in Albuquerque, the Colorado Rockies infielder launched his first Triple-A home run, giving the Isotopes the early jolt in a 1-0 game against Las Vegas.
That swing came in the second inning and stood out as the day’s biggest play. For a player still settling into life at the highest level of the minors, it was the sort of hit that can change the tone around a bat fast.
Riggio is 24 and already has a winding path behind him. The Milwaukee Brewers drafted him in the 11th round of the 2021 MLB Draft, but he did not sign and instead headed to Oklahoma State.
He spent the 2022 and 2023 seasons with the Cowboys, then got picked again in the 2023 MLB Draft, this time by the New York Yankees in the fourth round. He signed with New York for a $693,000 bonus.
At Oklahoma State, Riggio put together a big sophomore year, hitting .335/.461/1.139 with 18 home runs, 61 RBIs and 75 hits. That kind of production helped keep him on the radar, and the Rockies later brought him in from the Yankees at the trade deadline.
Colorado sees him as a useful offensive piece with room to keep growing. He’s an offensive second baseman who adds depth to the organization, and this is now his fourth season in the minors. After his time in college and the lower levels, he’s getting his first run at Triple-A with the Isotopes.
Through five games in Albuquerque, Riggio is slashing .278/.333/.778 with one homer, three RBIs and five hits in 18 at-bats. That’s a solid start, and the home run only adds to the early buzz.
There has also been talk about Riggio being undersized for second base, but the production is what matters most. If he keeps hitting and shows he can handle himself defensively, he could put himself in position for a promotion next season.
He can look at Zac Veen as an example of the kind of approach that keeps a player moving forward: effort, consistency and a steady presence every time he steps in. Riggio also isn’t known as a burner on the bases; he’s been more of an average runner, even though he was strong in high school and college.
For now, the main takeaway is simple: he’s off to a good start in Triple-A, and that first homer is one more sign that he’s adjusting well. The Isotopes are back against Las Vegas in an afternoon game Thursday, and Riggio will have another chance to keep it going.
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