A look at upcoming MLB draft through Rockies perspective | MLB Insider
In the offseason, the new Rockies management team was able to put their fingerprints on the franchise through acquisitions and trades.
On July 11 in Philadelphia, the focus will be on the next generation of Colorado players as the MLB draft gets underway.
In the 2026 draft, Rockies president of baseball operations Paul DePodesta and general manager Josh Byrnes will look to reverse what has been a troubling trend for the franchise in recent years. Since 2015, the Rockies have made 16 first-round picks. As of Tuesday night, none were a part of Colorado’s roster or any other MLB team.
Certainly there is a bit of an asterisk that comes with that as Sterlin Thompson, the 31st overall pick in the 2022 draft, was just sent back to Triple-A Albuquerque this week after totaling 69 at-bats with Colorado. Chase Dollander, the ninth overall pick in the 2023 draft, underwent an internal brace procedure Monday and will not pitch again until 2027.
For a team looking to get out of the National League West cellar, hitting on this year’s first-round pick is key. It’s perhaps even more key for a team that is desperately looking for young pitchers who can excel at the Major League level.
“I think we need some more upper-level pitching,” Byrnes said Monday. “We always have to be looking for that, including the bigger swings if they materialize in a trade scenario or in the draft.”
While the Rockies need pitching, Byrnes wouldn’t commit to Colorado’s direction in the upcoming draft.
“You’re just trying to add talent,” Byrnes said. “I would like to say we probably have a balance (between selecting position players or pitchers) and find the best players we can as we approach the draft.”
If the national pundits are correct, Colorado won’t be taking a pitcher with the 10th overall pick this year, the first of their five picks within the initial 104 selections. The Rockies have three picks in the first 38 picks in 2026, selecting at Nos. 10, 37 and 38.
Here are three names to watch when the Rockies are on the clock with the 10th pick.
Justin Lebron, SS, Alabama
ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel has the Rockies taking the college shortstop saying, “The Rockies need standout talent and can afford to be patient.”
The Alabama baseball website says the 21-year-old Lebron is, “An electrifying player with all five tools and one of the top prospects in the 2026 draft cycle.”
Derek Curiel, OF, Louisiana State
MLB.com’s Jim Callis writes that the Rockies “appear to be hunting college hitters” and Curiel fits that mold. The 21-year-old outfielder hit .353 last season with six homers and 46 RBIs while stealing 13 of 15 bases.
Ryder Helfrick, C, Arkansas
Keith Law of The Athletic has the Rockies chasing a Razorback, with the 21-year-old catcher hitting .283 with 18 home runs and 53 RBIs last season.
Interestingly, all three players come from the Southeastern Conference and all three come from positions where the Rockies are in good shape at the Major League level. However, this draft is about the future of the franchise, not the present.
Of course, what’s available for the Rockies depends on the direction of the nine teams ahead of them. Here’s how the top 10 could shake out July 11.
- Roch Cholowsky, SS, UCLA — Chicago White Sox
The consensus favorite for No. 1 overall. Advanced bat, premium position, and one of the safest profiles in the class.
- Drew Burress, OF, Georgia Tech — Tampa Bay Rays
Elite offensive performer with power and athleticism. Tampa Bay loves up-the-middle talent and impact bats.
- Justin Lebron, SS, Alabama — Minnesota Twins
Tremendous tools and offensive upside. Several evaluators see him as a top-three talent in the class.
- Derek Curiel, OF, Louisiana State — San Francisco Giants
Advanced hitter with polish, on-base skills and significant upside.
- Jacob Lombard, SS, Gulliver Prep (Florida) — Pittsburgh Pirates
High-ceiling prep shortstop who fits Pittsburgh’s recent preference for athletic position players.
- Carson Bolemon, LHP, Southside Christian HS (South Carolina) — Kansas City Royals
One of the top prep arms available with front-line starter potential.
- Cameron Flukey, RHP, Coastal Carolina — Baltimore Orioles
Electric stuff when healthy and could move quickly through a system.
- Chris Hacopian, INF, Texas A&M — Athletics
Regarded as one of the best pure college bats in the class.
- Gio Rojas, LHP, Marjory Stoneman Douglas HS (Florida) — Atlanta Braves
High-upside prep arm with projection remaining.
- Ryder Helfrick, C, Arkansas — Colorado Rockies
Catchers with offensive upside are always coveted, and Helfrick’s profile may fit what Colorado needs long term.