When diving into the Colorado Rockies' farm system, two names should immediately catch your attention: Ethan Holliday and Charlie Condon. FanGraphs has them leading the pack, but there's another player who demands a closer look among the top prospects.
Meet McCade Brown, who has been making waves despite some setbacks. Originally picked by Colorado in the third round of the 2021 MLB Draft, Brown's journey hasn't been without its challenges. An elbow injury in September 2022 led to Tommy John surgery in early 2023, putting a temporary halt to his progress.
Fast forward to 2024, and Brown was back on the mound, splitting his time between the ACL Rockies and the Low-A Fresno. Over 10 starts, he recorded a 6.85 ERA with 35 strikeouts in 23.2 innings. Not the smoothest return, but a crucial step forward.
In 2025, Brown upped his game. Starting with High-A Spokane and later moving to Double-A Hartford, he posted an impressive 2.47 ERA and racked up 105 strikeouts in 76.2 innings. This performance earned him a call-up to the majors in late August.
Brown's potential was on full display during a tight 4-3 loss against Seattle on September 23, where he struck out 10 batters over five innings, allowing just two hits and one run. His power pitcher frame and strikeout ability are undeniable.
However, consistency remains a hurdle. Last season, he issued 30 walks, contributing to a 0-5 record and a 7.36 ERA. With a fastball hitting 98 mph and a slider boasting a 36.5% whiff rate, Brown has the arsenal but needs to refine his control and pitch strategy.
Currently on the 15-day injured list due to shoulder inflammation, Brown's next steps will be crucial. All signs suggest he'll start in Triple-A Albuquerque upon his return. While FanGraphs' No. 5 ranking might raise eyebrows, Brown undeniably has the tools to carve out a spot in the Rockies' rotation if he can harness his potential.