With minor league spring training underway, here’s five sleeper prospects to watch in the Rockies’ organization in 2022.
RHP Gavin Hollowell: The sixth-round pick out of St. John’s impressed for rookie-league Grand Junction in 2019. Hollowell, 24, dealt with an elbow injury that delayed his 2021 debut but emerged as a dependable bullpen arm for Low-A Fresno down the stretch with a 2.45 ERA in 22 games. Throws mainly fastball/slider; projects as a back-end reliever in the majors. ETA: 2024
OF Casey Golden: The 2017 20th-round pick out of UNC-Wilmington was limited to just 39 games in Double-A Hartford last year because of oblique-and-ankle injuries. At 27, he’s also older for a prospect. But there’s power in his right-handed bat as he has 86 career homers in the minors and won the Home Run Derby in the California League in 2019. ETA: 2023
OF Yanquiel Fernandez: Only 19, Fernandez made a strong impression in his professional debut with the DSL Rockies last year. He slashed .333/.406/.531 with promising left-handed power. There’s more pop in his bat as he continues to develop. His glove and footwork need work in the outfield, but he’ll make his stateside debut this year (likely the Arizona Complex League Rockies). ETA: 2025
RHP Case Williams: The former Douglas County star was drafted out of high school in the fourth round in 2020. Williams, 20, was traded to the Reds that November, amid objections by current GM Bill Schmidt, who traded right back for him last July. A projectable back-end starter featuring a mid-90s fastball and a plus curve; Williams will be tested in High-A Spokane this year. ETA: 2024
RHP Brayan Castillo: Appendix surgery delayed his 2021 debut until August, but the Rockies have high internal expectations for the 21-year-old Dominican. Castillo’s fastball sat 93-98 mph in last fall’s instructional league. Castillo has an effective hard slider that’s mid-80s and an aggressive mindset on the mound. Look for him to make a noticeable impact at the Class-A levels in 2022. ETA: 2025
