In the history of the Colorado Rockies, spanning three decades, pitching has been the bane of the organization’s existence. The combination of the thin air of Colorado and the general lack of developmental talent has been a difficult hurdle for the team to overcome. There have been good pitchers that have rolled through Colorado and found success at Coors Field, and a quality pitching staff buoyed the most recent playoff appearances in 2017 and 2018. Still, 2025 presents a massive challenge for a team that has lost 100 games in back-to-back seasons. However, one ray of hope that could help out is their top prospect, Chase Dollander.

Dollander, the Colorado Rockies’ top pitching prospect and MLB Pipeline’s No. 25 overall prospect, has been a focal point during the 2025 Spring Training. Selected ninth overall in the 2023 MLB Draft from the University of Tennessee, the 23-year-old right-hander has showcased both potential and areas needing refinement as he vies for a spot on the Rockies’ Opening Day roster.​

Dollander’s Spring Training has been a mix of challenges and triumphs. In an earlier outing against the Athletics, he struggled, surrendering five runs on two hits and four walks over 1 2/3 innings. However, he demonstrated resilience in subsequent appearances. Notably, in his recent start Tuesday night, Dollander delivered an impressive performance against the San Francisco Giants, striking out seven batters and allowing only two hits over 3 2/3 scoreless innings in a 3-1 victory.

“It’s felt great so far. I’m constantly learning every time I go out. I’m in a great spot.” said Dollander

“The fastball tonight had life to it,” manager Bud Black said. “The curveball was good. He threw a couple good changeups; sliders were fine. His overall stuff was fine. Delivery looked good, repeated.

However, Black also mentioned the fact that there is an efficiency element to Dollander’s development that needs to be addressed. In Tuesday’s start, he threw 73 pitches which isn’t ideal when he didn’t make it through four innings. This is a similar pattern to last season where in 23 minor league starts he pitched six full innings just eight times but did go at least five innings 16 times. He was averaging 17.54 pitches per inning and 4.148 pitches per plate appearance and while his strikeout numbers are great, there is still a matter of reigning in his command. His nine walks against 18 strikeouts isn’t a terrible ratio, but it also suggests a need for more consistency and efficiency at the big-league level. Tuesday’s start dropped him to a 5.65 ERA in Spring Training.

Dollander has made the decision difficult and forced the Rockies to wrangle with the question as to whether or not it will be worthwhile to have him start the year in Triple-A Albuquerque. There is also the fact that there is an opening in the rotation for Opening Day.

The Rockies’ projected rotation for the 2025 season includes established starters: Kyle Freeland (the Opening Day starter), Ryan Feltner, Germán Márquez, and Antonio Senzatela. Austin Gomber was anticipated to be part of this group but is expected to begin the season on the injured list due to left shoulder soreness. This development opens up a potential spot in the rotation for Dollander. Bradley Blalock has had a terrific spring training but the team has pinpointed him as their preference as a long reliever. This is because the Rockies will not use Dollander out of the bullpen. Black has expressed that while Dollander possesses electric stuff, his inexperience is evident, suggesting that additional development time in Triple-A Albuquerque might be beneficial. The team also reportedly plans to roll with a four-man rotation to start the season as the schedule dictates that they don’t necessarily need a fifth starter a week into the season.

Dollander’s rapid ascent through the Rockies’ farm system underscores his talent and potential. Despite some inconsistencies during Spring Training, his ability to adjust and improve has been evident. The Rockies’ management is keen on ensuring that when Dollander makes his major league debut, he is fully prepared to contribute effectively. This approach aligns with their long-term development strategy for top prospects.​

While Chase Dollander has made significant strides during Spring Training and has showcased his potential in recent outings, it appears that he will begin the 2025 season in Triple-A Albuquerque. This decision aligns with the Rockies’ cautious approach to player development, ensuring that their top prospect gains the necessary experience and consistency before facing major league competition. Fans can anticipate Dollander’s eventual debut, which, given his trajectory, may occur later in the 2025 season. Still, it raises concern as to whether the hitter-friendly confines of the Pacific Coast League will be best for Dollander. Albuquerque is a tough place to pitch as pitchers get hammered, but there is also Dollander’s seasoned mind that makes him a viable candidate to tame the landscape and make a strong impression.

With less than a week of Spring Training games to go, the Rockies may be taking this decision down to the wire, as they should. However, if Dollander doesn’t start the season on the roster, it won’t be long before he is pitching in Denver if he starts the year strong in the minors after a couple of starts.