Zac Veen’s Offseason Overhaul: Rockies Prospect Eyes Redemption in 2026
No one’s putting the Colorado Rockies on a short list of World Series contenders this season-but if you’re looking for reasons to keep an eye on Coors Field, Zac Veen just gave you a big one. Literally.
Veen, once a highly touted prospect in the Rockies’ system, had a rough introduction to the big leagues. His first taste of MLB action saw him hit just .118 across 34 at-bats, with a .424 OPS that left little room for optimism. But heading into 2026, the 22-year-old outfielder is back with a vengeance-and about 43 pounds heavier.
This isn’t just about bulking up for the sake of it. This is part of a total transformation, physically and mentally, that could mark a major turning point in Veen’s career.
A New Body, A New Mindset
Veen showed up to Spring Training looking like a different player. After finishing last season at 202 pounds-a number he and the Rockies viewed as unhealthy for his 6-foot-4-and-a-half frame-he now tips the scales at 245 pounds.
That’s not just a few extra protein shakes. That’s a complete overhaul of how he’s approaching his body, his game, and his future in baseball.
The weight gain came as part of a larger personal journey. Veen opened up about his battle with substance abuse, admitting he’d struggled for years. Now, he’s sober, focused, and motivated to make the most of his second shot at the Majors.
“Definitely one of the bigger, main things was sobering up,” Veen said. “I had a pretty big substance abuse problem for a few years. But I’m completely clean and sober.”
That kind of honesty is rare-and powerful. For a young player to acknowledge those struggles and take the steps to overcome them says a lot about where he’s headed, both as a person and a professional.
The Work Behind the Scenes
Veen didn’t do this alone. He spent the offseason working closely with Johnny Goodrich, his longtime travel ball coach, to rebuild his body and reset his habits.
The results are clear. He’s added muscle, strength, and, maybe most importantly, confidence.
This isn’t just a player showing up to camp in “the best shape of his life.” This is a player who’s reshaped the foundation of who he is and how he plays. That matters, especially in an organization like Colorado’s, where player development is key to any future success.
What This Means for the Rockies
Let’s be real: the Rockies aren’t expected to make a postseason push in 2026. But teams in transition need bright spots, and Veen has the potential to be one.
His raw tools have never been in question-he’s always had the athleticism, the swing, and the projection scouts love. What he lacked last year was the consistency and physical readiness to compete at the highest level.
Now, with a stronger frame and a clearer head, Veen has a real shot to carve out a role in the Rockies’ outfield. And for a club that’s looking to build for the future, that’s a storyline worth watching.
The Bigger Picture
It’s easy to get caught up in stats and projections, but baseball is still a human game. Veen’s story is about more than just weight gain or a better batting average. It’s about resilience, growth, and the grind it takes to make it in the big leagues-especially when life throws curveballs off the field.
He’s still got to prove it between the lines. But if this offseason is any indication, Zac Veen is ready to take that next step. And if he does, the Rockies might just have something special on their hands.