$Evaluating The Colorado Rockies\' Top 10 Prospects Going Into 2016 Spring Training$

Evaluating The Colorado Rockies' Top 10 Prospects Going Into 2016 Spring Training

By Bryan Zarpentine

Entering the 2016 season, the Colorado Rockies have one of the deepest farm systems in baseball, in part because of the haul they received trading Troy Tulowitzki last summer. The hope is that those young players can make a big impact in the years to come, starting this season. Here is where Colorado’s top 10 prospects stand heading into the 2016 season.

$Evaluating The Colorado Rockies\' Top 10 Prospects Going Into 2016 Spring Training$

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Miguel Castro, Pitcher — Castro was rushed to the big leagues and made his major league debut before his 21st birthday. The Rockies could give him more seasoning and see if he turns into someone who can be a starter, but it's more realistic that he becomes a late-inning reliever, as Castro has a plus fastball he throws in the upper 90s. There's a good chance Castro is in the bullpen on opening day and could turn into a key reliever for the Rockies over the course of the season.

Tom Murphy, Catcher — Murphy missed most of 2014 with an injury, but he rebounded with a strong 2015 season where he put up some impressive power numbers in the minors. Nick Hundley had a strong season behind the plate for Colorado last year, but if he's healthy Murphy should at least make the opening day roster as the backup. He could eventually work his way into the starting position if Hundley can't replicate his production from last season. If he can stay healthy, there's a good chance Murphy is Colorado's catcher of the future.

Forest Wall, Second Base — Wall is a couple years away from reaching the big leagues, but he's a promising young hitter with great speed. Defensively, he's likely limited to second base and won't be all that impressive, but he has the potential to develop into Colorado's leadoff hitter a couple of years down the line. He's a plus hitter who gets on base at a high rate and steals bases.

Raimel Tapia, Outfield — Tapia is an outstanding athlete who's coming off a great season in 2015, as he's showing signs of turning his athleticism into baseball skills. He's a good contact hitter who is starting to show some power despite a small frame. Tapia is always aggressive on the base paths and a strong defensive player who covers a lot of ground. He has some things to fine tune in the next couple of years, but he has a high ceiling and could be ready for the big leagues soon.

Mike Nikorak, Pitcher — After the Rockies took him in the first round of the 2015 draft, Nikorak struggled mightily in his pro debut in rookie ball. That being said, Nikorak is fresh out of high school, and he has great stuff and a high ceiling. His command was dreadful last summer, so he has a lot of work to do, but Nikorak has a strong arm and three pitches that could develop into above-average offerings a few years down the line.

Jeff Hoffman, Pitcher — Hoffman probably doesn't factor into Colorado's plans for 2016, but he's a big, strong pitcher who could help the Rockies in their starting rotation for many years. His fastball and curveball are both plus pitches, and he pounds the strike zone. He'll be nearly two years removed from Tommy John surgery in 2016, so he should be poised for a big season, putting him on the cusp of the big leagues by the start of 2017.

Ryan McMahon, Third Base — McMahon is another year or two away from the majors, but he's a middle-of-the-order bat in the making. He figures to hit for a good average, provide plenty of power and play solid defense at third base, not unlike Colorado's current third baseman Nolan Arenado. McMahon won't push Arenado out of his position just yet, but in a couple years the Rockies may have a difficult decision to make.

Jon Gray, Pitcher — Gray struggled to get to the majors when expected, but he did make nine starts for the Rockies last year with modest results. He has three above-average pitches, starting with a plus fastball he regularly throws in the upper 90s. If he can hone his control, Gray will be a frontline starter; otherwise, he may never live up to his promise. That being said, Gray is in position to start 2016 in Colorado's rotation if he has a strong spring.

David Dahl, Outfield — Dahl has been held back due to injuries, but he remains a five-tool player with the potential to grow into an All-Star. He's a natural hitter, possesses great speed and is starting to grow into his power potential. If he can stay healthy and improve his approach at the plate, Dahl should reach the big leagues within two years, although the Rockies don't exactly have a need for an extra outfielder at the moment.

Brendan Rodgers, Shortstop — The Rockies took Rodgers No. 3 overall in last year's draft, and while he's a long way from reaching the big leagues, he has a high ceiling if he can stick at shortstop. He's a good hitter who produces power naturally and is also a great athlete. If things work out, Rodgers could be ready to take over as Colorado's shortstop by the time Jose Reyes' contract with the Rockies runs out.

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