5 key Rockies prospects who provide hope

Looking for hope Rockies fans? Here’s a look at five position players who might be able to help Colorado contend in the not- toodistant future by complementing the team’s current core. All- star right- hander German Marquez ( 2024), potential ace Antonio Senzatela ( 2027), slugging third baseman Ryan Mcmahon ( 2027) and all- star outfielder Kris Bryant ( 2028) are all signed for the long haul.

Here’s the case for why each prospect could step forward in the next 2- 3 years:

Zac Veen, OF ( 1st- round pick in 2020, ETA 2024) was Baseball America’s Rockies minor league player of the year in 2021. In his first pro year a season ago, with Low- A Fresno, he dominated. He should be a staple in the corner outfield at Coors Field and could morph into a 30/ 30 player.

Benny Montgomery, CF ( 1stround pick in 2021, ETA 2025) is a five- tool prospect who tore up the Arizona Complex League in his pro debut in 2021. He has a long way to go, and like Veen, his frame still needs to develop. But give it a few years and Montgomery can be the team’s long- term center fielder and a perennial all- star.

Drew Romo, C ( 1st- round pick in 2020, ETA 2024) is the team’s catcher of the future. The threeyear contract extension for current Rockies catcher Elias Diaz was clearly a bridge to get to Romo, who should be more than ready to take over the starting job by then. A switch- hitter with power potential and Gold Glove defense.

Michael Toglia, 1B ( 1st- round pick in 2021, ETA 2024) is the team’s first baseman of the future. The switch- hitter has more power from the left side and is developing on the right side; defensively, he draws nothing but rave reviews. A two- year extension for C. J. Cron should give Toglia more time to refine his stroke.

Ezequiel Tovar, SS ( Signed out of Venezuela in 2019, ETA 2023) should be fielding grounders in Lodo sometime soon. Tovar’s bat- to- ball skills are rapidly growing and he’s shown gap- to- gap power. He’s known within the organization as a defensive wizard, and his overall body of work was impressive during his first invite to big- league spring training this year.