The Colorado Rockies are entering a new chapter under the guidance of president of baseball operations Paul DePodesta and general manager Josh Byrnes. And while it’s still anyone’s guess how this new front office duo will approach their first MLB Draft together, one thing is certain: they’ll be busy early.
Despite being barred from this year’s draft lottery-thanks to landing lottery picks each of the past two years-the Rockies still hold a trio of valuable selections on Day 1. They’ll pick 10th overall in the first round, followed by back-to-back compensatory picks at No. 37 and No.
- That kind of draft capital gives DePodesta and Byrnes a real chance to address multiple organizational needs right out of the gate.
In a recent mock draft projection, Colorado leaned heavily into position players, bypassing pitching altogether-a bit of a surprise given the team’s historical struggles on the mound. But the picks do offer a glimpse into the kind of talent the Rockies could be targeting.
At No. 10, the mock has Colorado selecting college shortstop Eric Becker out of Virginia. Becker has been a force in the ACC, one of the premier pipelines for pro-ready talent.
In two seasons with the Cavaliers, he posted a strong .366/.459/.637 slash line and launched 17 home runs. Scouts have praised his “clean and simple” swing, and there’s confidence he can stick at shortstop long-term-something that’s always at a premium.
Then at No. 37, the Rockies double down on the middle infield with Steven Milam, a shortstop out of LSU who also has the versatility to play second base. Milam helped lead LSU to a national title this year and hit .295 with 11 home runs and 57 RBIs.
Scouts love his bat-to-ball skills and describe him as having “pure hitting chops.” He may not have Becker’s power, but Milam brings a polished offensive game and championship pedigree.
With their third pick at No. 38, the Rockies swing for upside, going the high school route with Kevin Roberts Jr., a toolsy outfielder from Jackson Prep in Mississippi. Roberts is a two-way player with a big arm and raw athleticism.
He’s already committed to Florida, and while he struggled during the summer showcase circuit, scouts still see Top 10 potential in his future. He won’t turn 18 until after the draft, which only adds to his long-term intrigue.
This draft class comes at a pivotal time for the Rockies, who are trying to reset after moving on from a pair of recent first-rounders. Pitcher Ryan Rolison (2018) and first baseman Michael Toglia (2019) are no longer with the organization. But there’s still a crop of young talent from previous drafts that could shape the next core.
Zac Veen, the 2020 first-rounder, finally made his MLB debut this season and is on the 40-man roster. Benny Montgomery, taken in 2021, is still working his way back at Double-A Hartford after missing all of 2024 with a shoulder injury. The 2022 draft was a busy one, with three first-rounders: pitcher Gabriel Hughes, who’s yet to debut but is on the 40-man; outfielder Sterlin Thompson, recently added to the 40-man; and outfielder Jordan Beck, who already has two big-league seasons under his belt.
Chase Dollander, the 2023 pick, made it to the Majors in 2025 but had a rocky debut season. Outfielder Charlie Condon, selected in 2024, is progressing through the system and could make his debut in 2026.
And then there’s Ethan Holliday, the Rockies’ most recent top pick and the son of franchise legend Matt Holliday. The prep infielder got his first taste of pro ball at Class A Fresno late last season, and there’s plenty of excitement around his development.
With new leadership in place and a trio of high-value picks in hand, the 2026 draft could be a defining moment for the Rockies’ rebuild. Whether they stick with position players or pivot to pitching remains to be seen, but there’s no question the front office has a chance to lay the foundation for the next generation in Colorado.