Major league spring training is on hold until the union and MLB come to an agreement on a collective bargaining agreement. But for the minor league players, the fun is about to begin. 

Any minor league player not on the 40-man roster will report to Salt River Fields on Sunday. Even though MLB canceled the first two series of the major league season — with more likely to follow — the minor league affiliates will start their games as scheduled next month. 

Here’s what to watch with the Rockies as the minor league season kicks off:

Top names to watch:

Zac Veen and Benny Montgomery, the Rockies top picks in the past two drafts, headline the group. Veen spent his 2021 season in Low-A. His stats were solid for his first major league season — .301 average, 15 home runs, 75 RBI. Montgomery reported to Arizona a few weeks after being drafted in July and made his professional debut in rookie league.

Veen and Montgomery — just 20 and 19, respectively — are expected to eventually be stationed just a few feet away from each other in the Coors Field outfield. Brenton Doyle, another outfielder, has impressed in his first two professional seasons and in instructs in 2020. He won a minor league gold glove during the 2021 season. 

Michael Toglia has developed into a powerful switch-hitter, a rarity in today’s game. The Rockies signed first baseman CJ Cron to a two-year extension in October, clearing time for Toglia to work through the system before he potentially takes over at first base. 

As for pitching, the Rockies selected Jaden Hill and Joe Rock early in the draft last year. Hill had Tommy John surgery a year ago, while Rock got his start in rookie ball. Chris McMahon made progress last year in High-A, making 20 starts.  

Others to keep an eye on: 

The Rockies possibly fixed their catching problem by signing Elias Díaz for three years before the lockout began. But besides Dom Nuñez, they have no other catchers on the 40-man roster. Drew Romo, who the Rockies hope will provide stability at the position, is chugging along through the minors. But catchers usually take the longest to develop, and he is still likely thee years away from playing in Denver. Willie Maclver played in the futures game last summer, and ended his season in Triple-A. Primarily a third baseman in college, the Rockies have developed him exclusively as a catcher. 

Case Williams, who was drafted by the Rockies in 2020 then traded to the Reds then brought back to the Rockies, is a Colorado native. He’s still two to three years away, but is viewed as an end of the order starter. Bryan Castillo, who missed part of the 2021 season, will be tested this year as he looks to make the jump from DSL and rookie league action. 

Who won’t be there:

Top prospects on the Rockies 40-man roster include Ryan Rolison, Elehuris Montero, Ryan Vilade, Ezequiel Tovar, Helcris Olivarez, Noah Davis and Ryan Feltner. Even though most will likely start their season in the minor leagues, none are allowed to report to camp this weekend.