The 2020 MLB Draft occurred this week, and the Colorado Rockies selected six talented players.
The Rockies drafted three position players and three pitchers with their six selections.
Let’s take a look at the 2020 draft class.
Round 1 – No. 9 – Zac Veen, OF Spruce Creek HS (FL)
With the 9th overall pick of the 2020 #MLBDraft, the #Rockies select @baseball_creek OF Zac Veen, No. 7 on our Top 200 Draft Prospects list: https://t.co/zHMNi5EtqE
Watch live: https://t.co/cmm19LX2BQ pic.twitter.com/lWSuXWmfte
— MLB Draft (@MLBDraft) June 11, 2020
The Rockies selected 18-year-old outfielder Zac Veen with the ninth overall selection. Many were surprised Veen fell to the Rockies at No. 9, and the current state of chaos could be to blame as many teams put together a draft plan on the fly.
Veen has been compared to National League MVP’s Cody Bellinger and Christian Yelich for his defensive prowess and incredible power in the batter’s box. Veen has even gone as far as to say that he wants to be an MVP himself now that he’s entered the pro ranks.
“I definitely embrace it,” Veen said of the comparisons via MLB.com. “I believe I can be one of those players; I know I put in the work to be one of those players. Not only do I want to make it to the big leagues; I want to be an MVP. I want to be one of the best baseball players ever.”
At 6’4” and 190 pounds, Veen is built like to prototypical superstar, and he has the potential to be a five-tool player in the big leagues. Veen could be a staple in the middle of the Rockies’ lineup in a few seasons.
While Veen is now considered a top prospect, he was often viewed as undersized while in high school. Although naturally gifted, Veen has worked tirelessly to become a first-round pick by shifting around the outfield, training with pro ballplayers, and adding 20 pounds of muscle in preparation for the big leagues.
Veen is a high-profile prospect that will rejuvenate Colorado’s relatively depleted farm system. The Rockies have an incredible track record of developing outfielders, and Veen is in line to be the next great position player to come through Colorado’s farm system.
Comp. A – No. 35 – Drew Romo, C The Woodlands HS (TX)
With the 35th overall pick of the 2020 #MLBDraft, the #Rockies select @twhsbaseball catcher Drew Romo, No. 35 on the Top 200 Draft Prospects list: https://t.co/gVtSBMPmFL
Watch live: https://t.co/cmm19LX2BQ pic.twitter.com/O4fAZbUIIy
— MLB Draft (@MLBDraft) June 11, 2020
Colorado made a bold decision by selecting catcher Drew Romo with the No. 35 pick in the draft.
The Rockies have never had a consistent, reliable catcher in the 25+ years the franchise has been around. While Tony Wolters has emerged as a clubhouse favorite and reliable manager behind the dish, he has yet to solidify himself as the Rockies’ primary catcher.
Given the lack of depth at the position, Colorado drafted another high school player in Romo. The 18 year old is committed to play baseball at LSU and has not decided his future.
Romo was compared to Yasmani Grandal on draft night. A switch-hitter, Romo is a slugger that is also masterful behind the dish, and could evolve into the Rockies’ go-to catcher sometime in the foreseeable future.
Despite his age, Romo is mature beyond his years, and former Rockies General Manager Dan O’Dowd believes he’s ready for the pros.
At No. 35, the Rockies picked catcher Drew Romo, another high schooler, from Texas. "He's already a professional catcher and he's in high school," Dan O'Dowd said.
— Nick Groke (@nickgroke) June 11, 2020
Round 2 – No. 46 – Chris McMahon, P Miami (FL)
With their 2nd-round pick (No. 46 overall) of the 2020 #MLBDraft, the #Rockies select @CanesBaseball RHP Chris McMahon, No. 29 on the Top 200 Draft Prospects list: https://t.co/K4oc4bWoXz
Watch live: https://t.co/cmm19LFrdg pic.twitter.com/clr3S60lrF
— MLB Draft (@MLBDraft) June 11, 2020
Miami product Chris McMahon was the first pitcher the Rockies selected in the draft. McMahon was undefeated with a 1.05 earned run average in four starts during the shortened 2020 season.
He was ranked the 29th-best prospect, according to MLB.com, so the Rockies managed to get great value with the pick.
McMahon pitched to a 3.28 ERA while at Miami and was consistent within the Hurricanes talented rotation.
He has a basic three-pitch mix that features a fastball, changeup and slider. McMahon is not a dominant force on the mound, but he can reach 98 MPH with his fastball.
McMahon is a strikethrower who relies on accuracy and deception. Everybody knows that pitching at altitude is difficult, but McMahon has the skill set to neutralize the earth’s forces. He could be a starter or relief pitcher in the big leagues.
Round 3 – No. 81 – Sam Weatherly, P Clemson
With their 3rd-round pick (No. 81 overall) of the 2020 #MLBDraft, the #Rockies select @clemsonbaseball LHP Sam Weatherly, No. 85 on the Top 200 Draft Prospects list: https://t.co/L6ptipvuRo
Watch live: https://t.co/cmm19LX2BQ pic.twitter.com/CyZ4LDYdpj
— MLB Draft (@MLBDraft) June 11, 2020
The Rockies drafted a southpaw pitcher with the 81st pick. Weatherly was the second pitcher from the ACC selected by Colorado in the draft, joining Miami product Chris McMahon.
Weatherly was 2-0 with a 0.79 era in four starts before the 2020 season was abruptly ended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Opponents hit just 0.96 against him during his four starts.
Weatherly was a relief pitcher during his first two seasons at Clemson, but after working on his command, he was vaulted to the starting rotation for the 2020 season.
He is a raw prospect, but the Rockies now have a hard-throwing lefty to add to their prospect ranks.
Round 4 – No. 110 – Case Williams, P Douglas County (CO)
A local pick.
You're a Rockie, @TheCaseWilliams! pic.twitter.com/Xr1MGHOWAG
— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) June 12, 2020
Colorado opted to stay close to home in the fourth round, selecting Douglas County High School pitcher Case Williams. The move was undoubtedly unexpected given that Williams did not appear on the MLB.com’s top 200 prospects list. Still, the Rockies opted to take the local kid with the 110th pick.
A lifelong Rockies fans, Williams will now pitch for the very organization he grew up rooting for.
Pitching at altitude has always plagued the Rockies; however, after drafting Kyle Freeland in the first round of the 2014 draft, Colorado could again look to strike gold with a local kid whose grown-up pitching in thin air.
Williams is a very talented pitcher with plenty of upside. Despite not being nationally recognized, the Rockies managed to get an up-close look at Williams during his high school career, which ultimately resulted in the franchise selecting him in the fourth round.
Round 5 – No. 140 – Jack Blomgren, SS Michigan
With our final pick of the #MLBDraft, the #Rockies have selected Jack Blomgren from Michigan.
You're going to fit right in, @blommy11! pic.twitter.com/9ceyQHBitm
— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) June 12, 2020
The Rockies wrapped up their draft by selecting a middle infielder. Blomgren was a workhorse while at Michigan, starting all 137 games that he played.
He posted a career .276 batting average, and was a decent hitter in college, although he struggled with power.
Overall, Blomgren is a steady shortstop who will give the Rockies’ organization depth up the middle.