The Colorado Rockies are now reflecting on their 2015 draft decision after choosing Brendan Rodgers with the third overall pick, a choice that failed to deliver the offensive firepower they had hoped for. This missed opportunity to draft Austin Riley, a player who has since established himself as a dominant hitter in Major League Baseball, continues to weigh heavily on the franchise’s strategy going forward.
The Promise Brendan Rodgers Initially Held
In 2015, the Rockies selected Brendan Rodgers, a standout middle infielder from Lake Mary High School in Florida, at the No. 3 overall spot. Rodgers was regarded as one of baseball’s top prospects, with analysts comparing him to other notable first-round picks that year, such as first overall selection shortstop Dansby Swanson by the Arizona Diamondbacks and third baseman Alex Bregman, selected second by the Houston Astros. Rodgers climbed as high as No. 10 in MLB Pipeline’s rankings, and the Rockies envisioned him as a cornerstone player for their future.
While Rodgers earned recognition for his defense, highlighted by a Gold Glove award in 2022, his offensive performance has lagged. Over his tenure with Colorado, he has maintained a batting line of .266/.316/.409 and an OPS+ of 88, numbers that fall short of expectations for a top draft pick. His 5.9 career bWAR mainly reflects his defensive skills rather than offensive production, casting doubt on whether the Rockies made the optimal choice.
How Austin Riley’s Career Illustrates the Missed Draft Opportunity
If the Rockies had the chance to re-do the 2015 draft, analysts suggest they would select Austin Riley, who was originally picked 41st overall by the Atlanta Braves. Riley quickly evolved into a powerful offensive force, posting bWAR numbers above 6.0 from 2021 through 2023. His achievements include two National League All-Star selections, two Silver Slugger Awards, and three straight seasons finishing in the top seven for NL MVP voting.
Riley’s slugging ability, averaging 33 home runs and 33 doubles per 162 games with a .493 slugging percentage, would have been especially well-suited for the hitter-friendly conditions at Coors Field, the Rockies’ home ballpark. The contrast between Riley’s strong offensive contributions and Rodgers’ struggles emphasizes the critical nature of draft decisions for team success.
Looking Ahead: Reassessing Strategy for Future Success
The Rockies’ experience underscores how vital scouting and player evaluation are in shaping a competitive roster. Missing out on a player like Austin Riley has made clear that beyond defensive potential, offensive impact must weigh heavily in draft choices, especially when holding a high selection. Moving forward, Colorado’s management must refine their approach to maximize the value of upcoming draft picks and nurture talent capable of elevating the team’s performance.
By learning from past drafts, the Rockies aim to build a stronger foundation that blends defensive skill and offensive power, essential for contending in the National League and making a sustained push toward the postseason.