Rockies see top prospects Condon, Carrigg take next steps in solid spring

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Rockies general manager Josh Byrnes sees the end of Major League camp participation for prospects Charlie Condon and Cole Carrigg as another step in both of their bright futures.

“Both of those guys had really good camps,” Byrnes said.

Condon, in his first Major League camp, and Carrigg, who was also invited to camp last year, were reassigned to Minor League camp on Thursday and will likely begin the season at Triple-A Albuquerque. Also reassigned to Minor League camp was infielder Vimael Machín.

Condon, 22, the Rockies’ No. 2 prospect and MLB Pipeline’s No. 70 overall, posted a 1.175 OPS in 20 Cactus League games, and will play first base and corner outfield. The latter positions represent a reintroduction to positions he manned at times over his two seasons at the University of Georgia before being selected third overall in the 2024 MLB Draft.

Rockies No. 6 prospect Carrigg, 23, a switch-hitter, has played mainly center field since being drafted 65th overall in 2023 out of San Diego State. But he returned to his college position of shortstop thanks to an opportunity to play for Team Israel in the World Baseball Classic. Carrigg posted a 1.039 OPS in 13 Cactus League games of his second Major League camp, and had a pair of hits and a pair of walks in four WBC games.

Now for some breakdowns of strengths and areas to watch for Condon and Carrigg, who could conceivably make their big-league debuts in 2026:

CONDON
Hitting: Condon began 2025 -- his first full pro season -- nursing a fractured right wrist, before playing 99 regular-season games that included 55 at Double-A Hartford. Condon also had a strong Arizona Fall League against top prospects.

A left hand injury limited him to 19 games and reduced his effectiveness the year he was drafted, and he got off to a late start last season. This spring, however, Condon showed that he’s an offensive threat when healthy.

In a small sample for a player with little pro experience, Condon did well against fastballs 94 mph and above, with a .750 slugging percentage, and he held his rate of chasing pitches outside the zone to 24 percent -- 4.2 percent below last year's MLB average -- while slugging .718.

“He faced some really good arms and had some really good at-bats,” Byrnes said. “There’s no timeline, but he’s very talented. With the way he finished last year and carrying that into the spring, there’s a lot of good momentum for him right now.”

Defense: Condon’s footwork and anticipation have steadily improved since settling at first base last season. The Rockies added the outfield to his workload this spring to increase his value to the roster; athletic ability was there, but comfort can grow.

“The reps are the main thing, and even he said that,” Byrnes said. “It’s not that easy to play outfield in the Cactus League with the sun, and there’s no third deck [in the stands]. But he made the easy plays look easy, and had some tough ones.”

CARRIGG
Hitting: Carrigg handled velocity with a .733 slugging percentage against 94-plus velocity. He fell into chasing pitches late last season at Double-A Hartford, and his 37 percent chase rate (52 percent right-handed, 30 percent left) shows a need for growth.

“He’s getting better. ... He and I talked quite a bit early in the spring and today it was another discussion with the hitting coaches, but he’s learning to mature as a hitter and swing at the right pitches,” Byrnes said.

Carrigg’s above-average speed and extreme aggressiveness on the bases are assets, He had four doubles and two triples among his 12 hits.

Defense: Carrigg’s arm produced 18 outfield assists last season. Byrnes, who scouted him at San Diego State while with the Dodgers, loved the idea of Carrigg playing short. His smoothness improved dramatically with intense skill development throughout camp, and while playing in the WBC.

“He’s really good in center, but we think being able to play everywhere is very valuable for us,” Byrnes said. “That’s always been his superpower.”

Conventional wisdom says he is blocked by Gold Glovers at each position -- shortstop Ezequiel Tovar (2024) and center fielder Brenton Doyle (2023-24). But last year Tovar and Doyle struggled through injuries. Also, Byrnes was part of the Dodgers’ front office for the last 11 years, and he saw how how versatility aids winning,

“I hate to bring up Dodger stuff, but the years I was there with Kiké Hernandez, Chris Taylor, Tommy Edman and Mookie Betts, over the course of a season with injuries, right/left and everything, your roster may be different,” Byrnes said. “What those guys allow you to do is so important.”