Rox young sluggers aim to bring pop back to Coors Field
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Coors Field may provide the best run-scoring environment in Major League Baseball, but the Rockies haven’t taken advantage of it in recent years. Even without adjusting for Coors, they have fielded offenses worse than the league average the past three seasons, and they scored the fewest runs
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Coors Field may provide the best run-scoring environment in Major League Baseball, but the Rockies haven’t taken advantage of it in recent years. Even without adjusting for Coors, they have fielded offenses worse than the league average the past three seasons, and they scored the fewest runs per game (4.21) and generated the second-lowest slugging percentage (.400) in franchise history in 2024.
Not coincidentally, Colorado lost 101 games last season, two shy of the franchise low point established the year before.
Fortunately for the Rockies, they have some slugging outfielders on the way. They spent the No. 3 overall pick and a Draft-record $9.25 million bonus on outfielder Charlie Condon in July, just as Robert Calaz was putting the finishing touches on an MVP season and Triple Crown in the Rookie-level Arizona Complex League. Yanquiel Fernandez had a strong season at Double-A and could arrive in Denver at some point this year.
📩 SUBSCRIBE TO THE BASEBALL TRAVELER NEWSLETTER
Condon was the most devastating hitter in college baseball last year, winning the Golden Spikes Award as the nation’s best amateur after leading NCAA Division I in batting (.433), slugging (1.009), OPS (1.565), homers (37), extra-base hits (58) and total bases (233) as a redshirt sophomore at Georgia. He not only features top-of-the-scale raw power that plays from foul pole to foul pole, but he also has a relatively compact right-handed swing and makes good swing decisions.
Colorado has yet to see Condon at his best. A bone spur in his right finger led to him changing his grip on the bat during an underwhelming pro debut at High-A. Now he’ll miss the first month of this season after sustaining a non-displaced fracture of his left wrist while diving for a ball on March 11.
“I’ve been here a while,” said farm director Chris Forbes, who started with the Rockies as an area scout in 2006, “and Charlie is probably the most complete hitting prospect we’ve had. We didn’t get the best version of him last year because he got hit by a pitch on his hand at Georgia and tried to play through the injury. There could be more power in there because we haven’t tapped into the strength component yet.”
The prize of the Rockies’ 2023 international class, Calaz signed for $1.7 million out of the Dominican Republic. After posting a .984 OPS in his pro debut in the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League, he came to the United States last year and slashed .349/.462/.651 with 10 homers and 45 RBIs in 49 ACL games. Already quite physical at 6-foot-2 and 202 pounds, he continued to mash at Single-A in the final month as an 18-year-old, making exceptionally loud contact for his age.
“Robert didn’t even want to play baseball growing up,” Forbes said. “The kids in his town needed him to fill out their team and he wanted to ride his horse. They were frustrated because they knew how good he could be, so they threw rocks trying to knock him off his horse.
“The beauty of Robert is that he can’t describe how he does what he does. That innocence is intriguing. His body moves really quick. He’s still learning the game.”
Another product of Colorado’s international efforts, Fernandez left Cuba before signing for $295,000 in July 2019. As physical as Calaz, Fernandez totaled 46 homers in his first two full pro seasons but tapered off to 12 last year. He made adjustments and provided more consistent contact when he repeated Double-A to begin 2024 but scuffled following an August promotion to Triple-A.
“In Double-A, we saw his hit ability start to show up,” Forbes said. “He started recognizing what pitchers were trying to do to him and started taking what they gave him. Sometimes he tries to create power, and in Triple-A, guys mixed their pitches and located better and cut him up. He needs to lock into making better swing decisions.”
Camp standout: Zac Veen
The ninth overall pick in the 2020 Draft, Veen has played in just 111 games the past two seasons while dealing with wrist, thumb and back injuries. He’s healthy now and making an unexpected push for a starting outfield job with his play and nonstop energy in the Cactus League. Through last Saturday, he led the Rockies in homers (two), extra-base hits (seven) and steals (six) while slashing .325/.413/.625.
“This is a ton of fun -- the most fun I’ve ever had,” Veen told MLB.com’s Thomas Harding. “It’s so much fun because we’re playing baseball every day, and I get to play with a lot of guys I’ve watched growing up and guys that I came up with in the system. It’s a great time.”
Breakout potential: Kyle Karros
An ankle injury at UCLA helped knock down Karros down to the fifth round of the 2023 Draft, but the third baseman won High-A Northwest League MVP honors in his first full pro season and nearly captured the Triple Crown as well by slashing .311/.390/.485 with 15 homers and 78 RBIs in 126 games. The son of 1992 National League Rookie of the Year Eric Karros, Kyle is one of the best pure hitters in the system and could tap into some more power.
“We eventually see Kyle as a 20-25-home run guy,” Forbes said. “He’s done exactly what we’ve asked of him, which is stay with the hittability piece for now. We love the way he has carried himself in his first big league camp. He’s got pedigree and he sure got some good advice from his dad.”
Bounceback candidate: Benny Montgomery
The Rockies still have high hopes for Montgomery, whom they drafted eighth overall in 2021. He lost half of 2022 to a quadriceps injury and most of last season to surgery on his left shoulder. He needs to prove he can make consistent contact but still possesses an all-around tools package as good as any in the system, with double-plus speed and plus raw power, arm strength and center-field defense.
“I think Benny is going to have a very good year,” Forbes said. “He’s healthy and looked good in our high-performance camp in January. He came in from high school and it took some time to get comfortable in the pro setting, but he looks like a man now.”
Jim Callis is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him @jimcallisMLB and @jimcallis.bsky.social. Listen to him on the weekly MLB Pipeline Podcast.
Suns Sets on 2020 Season Hopes
HAGERSTOWN, MD (June 30, 2020) – MLB has elected not to send players to its affiliated minor-league teams. As such, there will be no professional affiliated Minor League Baseball in the calendar year 2020. Therefore, the Hagerstown Suns, like all other Minor League Baseball affiliates, are officially on hiatus. The
Suns Release 2020 Promotional Schedule
The Hagerstown Suns return to Municipal Stadium on Thursday, April 16 to begin the 40th season of Minor League Baseball in the Hub City. The Single A affiliate of the World Series Champion Washington Nationals will celebrate both with a memorable season filled with promotions, giveaways, special deals and more
Sun Sets on 2019 Season
HAGERSTOWN, MD (September 5, 2019) - The 2019 Suns broke camp with an impressive roster boasting seven of the Washington Nationals' top 30 prospects according to MLB.com. Highlighted by 2018 second round pick Tim Cate and international signee Israel Pineda, manager Patrick Anderson was given a strong group to lead into the season starting versus the Greensboro
Suns Drop Final Game 10-5
HAGERSTOWN, MD (September 2, 2019) - A four-run seventh wasn't enough to rally in the Suns final game of the year, which came down to a 10-5 loss to the Lakewood BlueClaws at Municipal Stadium Monday afternoon.Niomar Gomez (L, 0-1) made his South Atlantic League debut and gave up eight runs in
'Claws Miscues Lead to Third Straight Dub
HAGERSTOWN, MD (September 1, 2019) - The Suns took advantage of two BlueClaw wild pitches to guide them to a 4-3 victory at Municipal Stadium Sunday afternoon.While knotted up 1-1 in the fourth with Justin Connell at third base, Francisco Morales (L, 1-8) threw an errant throw to the backstop that allowed Connell to score
Early Offense, Strong Pitching Culminates in 6-1 Win
HAGERSTOWN, MD (August 31, 2019) - The Suns scored in each of the first three innings to upend the BlueClaws 6-1 in Saturday's contest at Municipal Stadium.Nic Perkins started the scoring for Hagerstown (64-74, 34-34), lacing a double down the left field line to score Jackson Cluff and Drew Mendoza in the first inning.
Suns Walk-Off Wild Game Vs Lakewood
HAGERSTOWN, MD (August 30, 2019) - Armond Upshaw scored from a sacrifice bunt by Jackson Cluff and a throwing error from pitcher Taylor Lehman to give the Suns a 3-2 walk-off victory over Lakewood Friday evening at Municipal Stadium.Cluff's sacrifice allowed the third run to score off Lehman (L, 2-2) in his four innings of work
Suns Drop Kannapolis Finale 5-4
KANNAPOLIS, NC (August 29, 2019) - A sixth inning rally could not lift the Suns over the Intimidators in a 5-4 loss in Kannapolis Thursday evening.Jackson Stoeckinger (L, 2-3) got into trouble early, issuing a walk with the bases loaded to allow Kannapolis's first run to score in the home half of
Homestand #13 Preview: August 30-September 2
HAGERSTOWN, MD (August 30, 2019) - The Suns welcome Lakewood to Municipal Stadium for a four-game series August 30-September 2 to close out the 2019 season.Hagerstown is 9-12 against the BlueClaws this season and has dropped two of the last three contests vs the BlueClaws at Municipal Stadium.
Rutledge Sets Season-High in Loss
KANNAPOLIS, NC (August 28, 2019) - Jackson Rutledge set a Suns' season-high nine strikeouts in Hagerstown's 3-1 loss to the Kannapolis Intimidators at Intimidators Stadium Wednesday night.Rutledge struck out the side in the third and fifth innings prior to leaving the game with a no-decision having allowed one run in his five
Five-Run Inning Eliminates Suns
HAGERSTOWN, MD (August 27, 2019) - The Suns were not able to overcome a five-run Kannapolis fourth inning in their 5-4 loss to the Intimidators at Intimidators Stadium Tuesday.Hagerstown (62-72, 32-32) entered the fourth leading 1-0, but Alfonso Hernandez (L, 0-2) entered out of the bullpen and was ambushed by the
Pitching Staff Stays Dialed in for 4-1 Win
Kannapolis, NC (August 26, 2019) - Reid Schaller kept the pitching staff rolling in Hagerstown's 4-1 over Kannapolis at Intimidator Stadium Monday evening.Schaller (W, 4-3) spun the first five frames of Hagerstown's (62-71, 32-31) win, wringing up half a dozen batters while surrendering just two hits.
Suns Take Series with Emphatic Victory
HAGERSTOWN, MD (August 25, 2019) - The Suns bats jumped on the Shorebirds early, and the pitching silenced the opposing bats in their 9-0 win over Delmarva at Municipal Stadium Sunday.Hagerstown (61-71, 31-31) struck for seven runs early which was plenty of support for starter Jake Irvin (W, 7-8), who spun
Suns Split Doubleheader with Delmarva
HAGERSTOWN, MD (August 24, 2019) - The Suns dominated the Delmarva bats all day, but were forced to settle for a doubleheader split against the Shorebirds at Municipal Stadium Saturday. Tomas Alastre threw Hagerstown's (60-71, 30-31) first complete game of the season in their 5-1 game-one victory, but the Shorebirds (86-43, 38-22) took
Suns and Shorebirds Opener at Municipal Stadium Postponed
HAGERSTOWN, MD (August 23, 2019) - The Hagerstown Suns and Delmarva Shorebirds have postponed their series opener tonight due to wet grounds. The game will be rescheduled in a doubleheader tomorrow at 5:05 p.m.Gates open at 4:00 p.m. and the first 1,000 fans through the gates will receive a Mike Mussina
Suns Take Series with Shutout Victory
HAGERSTOWN, MD (August 22, 2019) - Suns pitchers dominated Greenville hitters and combined for a one-hit shutout in their 2-0 victory over the Drive at Municipal Stadium Thursday.Jackson Rutledge (W, 2-0) got the start for the Suns (59-70, 29-30) and put together an efficient five innings. The first-round pick worked five
Bullpen Ends Streak in 5-4 Loss to Drive
HAGERSTOWN, MD (August 21, 2019) - The Suns bullpen surrendered four runs in as many innings in a 5-4 loss to the Greenville Drive at Municipal Stadium Wednesday night.Hagerstown (58-70, 28-30) took a 4-2 lead during a three-run sixth that started with a Drew Mendoza walk and a Jacob Rhinesmith single before Kyle Marinconz hit a one-out
Suns Pitching Dominates in 4-1 Win
HAGERSTOWN, MD (August 20, 2019) - The Suns pitching staff held the Drive to only one run on four hits in their 4-1 win over Greenville at Municipal Stadium Tuesday.Reid Schaller (W, 3-3) got the start for Hagerstown (58-69, 28-29) and rolled through five innings. The righty allowed only one run
Homestand #12 Preview: August 20-25
The Hagerstown Suns welcome the Greenville Drive and the Delmarva Shorebirds to Municipal Stadium for a six-game homestand August 20-25. Each team will be in Hagerstown for a three-game series.The Suns are 1-2 against the Drive this season after dropping a series in Greenville April 22-24. Hagerstown is 6-13 against
Suns Drop Finale to West Virginia 4-2
CHARLESTON, WV (August 18, 2019) - Hagerstown couldn't overcome an early 4-0 deficit with a late rally in a 4-2 loss to the West Virginia Power at Appalachian Power Park Sunday afternoon.Jake Irvin (L, 6-8) ran into trouble early, loading the bases with no outs in each of the first two innings.
Suns Rise Late to Upend Power 4-1
CHARLESTON, WV (August 17, 2019) - Hagerstown beat up on the West Virginia Power bullpen to win 4-1 at Appalachian Power Park Saturday evening.With Hagerstown (27-28, 57-68) trailing 1-0 with two outs in the seventh inning, Phil Caulfield bounded a ball off the right field wall to bring Israel Pineda, who had reached on
Suns Claim 4-1 Win Behind Mendoza Bomb
CHARLESTON, WV (August 16, 2019) - The Suns pitching staff shut down the West Virginia Power in a 4-1 victory at Appalachian Power Park Friday night.Jackson Stoeckinger (W, 2-2) spun five, one-run innings to start the game off. He wrung up four Power (62-62, 25-29) batters before exiting the game and handing
Adon Earns League-Leading 11th Win in WV
CHARLESTON, WV (August 15, 2019) - Joan Adon pushed four, one-run innings of relief as the Suns charged ahead behind three runs in the eighth to win 6-3 versus the West Virginia Power at Appalachian Power Park Thursday night.Adon (W, 11-3) earned his league-leading 11th win after allowing a solo shot from Matt
Suns Release 2020 Schedule
HAGERSTOWN, MD (August 15, 2019) - The Hagerstown Suns are excited to announce the release of their 2020 schedule. 2020 marks the Suns 40th season playing baseball at Municipal Stadium.Hagerstown kicks off their 40th anniversary season Thursday, April 16 vs the Delmarva Shorebirds. The home series marks four of the
Suns Bats Silenced Again by Lakewood
HAGERSTOWN, MD (August 14, 2019) - Hagerstown's bats faltered again as they fell to the Lakewood BlueClaws 5-1 Wednesday afternoon at Municipal Stadium.Reid Schaller (L, 2-3) looked good on the rubber, striking out six BlueClaw (22-28, 52-69) while allowing just one earned run to score, but his bats could not pick him