In the latest MLB Mock Draft by Future Stars Series, the Rockies are projected to bolster their pitching talent, which has been notably lacking in their system, by adding a potential star player.
Throughout the offseason, discussions have centered around the Rockies’ needs for improvement, expectations for the upcoming season, and the overall state of the team heading into 2024. However, as Opening Day approaches, attention shifts towards the amateur and college ranks, with a recent mock draft from Joey Doyle with Future Stars Series.
Holding the number three overall pick in the draft, the Rockies have the opportunity to select one of the top players available. This pick holds significant value, with its slot value increasing from $8.341 million in 2023, providing the Rockies with ample resources.
In the 2024 MLB Draft projection by Joe Doyle, the Rockies are predicted to choose Chase Burns, a standout talent from Wake Forest. Burns, originally from Gallatin, TN, previously played alongside top Rockies prospect Chase Dollander, showcasing their dominance over hitters during the 2022 and 2023 seasons before Burns transferred to Wake Forest.
Heading into the 2024 season, Chase Burns emerged as a highly anticipated prospect, especially given the perceived lack of depth in college pitching talent. Compared to the previous year’s class, which boasted standout names like Paul Skenes, Rhett Lowder, Chase Dollander, and Hurston Waldrep, the 2024 class didn’t seem to have the same level of firepower.
However, Burns has been making waves and is positioning himself to be this year’s version of Paul Skenes. According to Joe Doyle, Burns has consistently impressed, with Doyle even going as far as to compare Burns to Skenes in terms of talent. Burns showcases an impressive arsenal, featuring a fastball that reaches the upper 90s and regularly hits triple digits, along with an above-average slider, a solid changeup, and a powerful curveball.
“Burns possesses undeniable top-of-the-rotation potential, provided he continues to refine his command, particularly out of the stretch, and demonstrates an ability to handle longer innings,” stated Doyle. “His combination of a 100 mph fastball and a 90 mph slider is elite-level weaponry.”
The Rockies have demonstrated a clear commitment to acquiring high-upside pitching talent in recent trades and drafts. In 2022, they selected Gonzaga standout Gabe Hughes with the 10th overall pick, followed by Chase Dollander, another promising pitcher, who was chosen ninth overall in 2023. Building on this strategy, the Rockies should maintain their focus on bolstering their pitching staff in the 2024 draft. Reuniting former teammates Hughes and Dollander could be a strategic move aimed at constructing a potentially formidable starting rotation.
