Baseball players are supposed to be tough. Troy Johnston is redefining what that actually means.
Eli spoke with him about anxiety, asking for help & why talking about men's mental health changes everything.
blakestreetbanter.com/2026/04/11/t...
A look atht he Colorado Rockies Opening Weekend, by the numbers.
The Rockies generated just 2.04 expected run value. Antonio Senzatela is back. Missed ABS opportunities. We cover it all!
This one stings.
Rockies led Game 3 from the first inning…
Two outs in the 9th…
Then a walk-off homer ends the sweep.
0-3 to start the year. All by one run.
The Opening Series review.
Opening Day in Miami is set 🌴 The Rockies finalize their rotation (Freeland #5 straight OD start), give Dollander a bullpen bridge, and ride hot springs from Rumfield & Karros. Questions remain with Freeman and bullpen roles. #Rockies
Hitting the Over: Statistical Hopes for the 2026 Rockies
March 23, 2026 | @TyPaddor I'll save you all (and myself) the usual preface about the Rockies and their dreadful 2025 season. We have since seen several new seasoned leaders added to the front office and strong signs out of Spring Training.…
The 2026 Rockies season is almost here—time for our next Breakout Prospect Picks 🔥
“Knocking on the Door” features Carrigg, Longwell, Riggio & Thomas—names to watch in Double & Triple-A who could be one step from Coors Field by year’s end 👀
For Chase Dollander, Belief Starts With the Work
March 22, 2026 | Eli Whitney Chase Dollander’s confidence isn’t an accident. Ask him about it, and he’ll correct the premise before you finish the question. The “I know I’m the best” line that has circulated through Rockies camp this week wasn’t a…
Ethan Holliday carries one of the most famous last names in baseball, but the Rockies’ 6’4 slugger has the tools to build his own legacy. With 40-HR upside and early adjustments to cut down swing-and-miss, even modest contact gains could unlock massive offensive production.
Charlie Condon Prospect Profile | Rockies OF/IF Breakdown
Charlie Condon’s 2025 (131 wRC+) flew under the radar, but the breakout may be coming. A smoother swing this spring has cut Ks and unlocked elite exit velo. With big power potential and added OF reps, 2026 could be the year he explodes.
Brody Brecht brings electric stuff to the Rockies system. The former Iowa two-sport athlete sits mid-to-upper 90s, touches 100+, and pairs it with a vicious upper-80s slider. If the command continues improving and his changeup develops, Brecht has legit frontline upside.
Smooth swing, speed, and production—Jared Thomas checks a lot of boxes. After a strong pro debut, the next step is cutting down K’s. If he adjusts and returns healthy, he could rise fast and be on the Rockies’ radar soon.
Toolsy, fast, and electric— Cole Carrigg is built for Coors. Elite speed, a cannon arm, and emerging power make him a legit CF prospect. If he trims the strikeouts, a 2026 debut is well within reach.
Despite a 2.46 ERA in the minors, Sean Sullivan is often overlooked because of a 90 mph fastball. But elite extension, deception, and command help it play harder. The “Wizard” could carve out a big league role as a steady starter or multi-inning weapon.
Such a huge deal that needs to be recognized any chance it can be
The Rockies’ 2025 second-round pick, JB Middleton dominated at Southern Miss with a 2.31 ERA and 122 Ks in 105.1 IP. Armed with a mid-90s fastball and a nasty upper-80s slider, the righty could move quickly through the system if his expanding arsenal continues to develop.
Acquired in the Ryan McMahon deal, Herring has quickly become a key arm in the Rockies system. The lefty posted a 1.89 ERA with 149 K in 119.1 IP in 2025, pairing plus extension with a solid slider/changeup mix. Double-A will be a big test.
Roc Riggio, part of the Jake Bird trade, has Coors Field power written all over him. The 5'9" second baseman hit 20 HR with a 155 wRC+ in High-A/Double-A last year. He projects as an everyday MLB 2B with 15–20 homers and elite plate discipline.
Aidan Longwell comes in at number 41 in our BSB Top 50 Prospect Rankings. Learn more about the Colorado Rockies prospect here!
At 22, Vargas is a right-handed starting pitcher for the Rockies, currently ranked 29 in BSB. Despite a setback from Tommy John surgery and a 7.18 ERA in 2025, he remains a top prospect due to his strong fastball and strikeout potential, following an impressive start to his career.
Robert Calaz broke out in 2024, winning ACL MVP at 18 with a .349/.462/.651 line. His 2025 season in Low-A was quieter (.259, 10 HR), but the raw power is undeniable. If he refines his approach and finds consistency at the plate, a 30+ HR everyday outfielder ceiling remains in play.
Rockies prospect Roldy Brito burst onto the scene in 2025, hitting .368 in the ACL and .375 after a promotion to Low-A Fresno — all while being years younger than league average. The switch-hitting sparkplug brings energy, speed, and versatility that could make him a future impact player.
Sterlin Thompson continues to show one of the better bats in the Rockies system. After a .911 OPS and 118 wRC+ in Triple-A last year, the hit tool is real. With a crowded outfield blocking his path, a strong start in Albuquerque could still push the 24-year-old into a first-half MLB debut.
Zac Veen is once again turning heads in Rockies camp. The 24-year-old added 40 lbs of muscle this offseason and credits major lifestyle changes for his renewed focus. With rookie status still intact, Veen’s speed, defense, and improving bat keep his MLB breakout within reach.
The Rockies went back to the Texas pipeline, drafting Max Belyeu in the 2nd round of 2025 after taking teammate Jared Thomas a year earlier. His High-A debut was rough (.150 AVG), but a low .182 BABIP hints at bad luck. The power showed up with 4 HR in 21 games.
Today we release our BSB Top 50 Prospects list. It will be live on the website this afternoon with full writeups and player pages
You’ll see how our list compares to last year as well as mlb.com rankings.
Be sure to keep an eye out!
blakestreetbanter.com/2026/03/20/g...
After missing 2024 due to Tommy John surgery, Jackson Cox rebounded in 2025 with a 3.39 ERA and 92 K in 85 IP for Fresno. Armed with a mid-90s fastball and plus power curveball, the 22-year-old is back on the radar as one of the Rockies’ more intriguing pitching prospects.
Former 1st-round pick Gabriel Hughes is working his way back after Tommy John surgery. His velocity is ticking back up this spring and he’s experimenting with a new sweeper. If the fastball holds around 93 MPH, Hughes could still project as a back-end starter.
After years of injuries, McCade Brown finally put together a healthy 2025 season. The former 3rd-round pick dominated in High-A and Double-A to earn his MLB debut. With elite extension and a deep four-pitch mix, the right-hander has the tools to develop into a back-end starter for the Rockies.
Yujaner Herrera emerged as an intriguing Rockies pitching prospect after arriving in the 2024 Nick Mears trade. Tommy John surgery wiped out his 2025 season, but the 21-year-old still brings mid-90s velocity and a sharp slider. If healthy, he offers upside as a starter or power reliever.
