As the Colorado Rockies got a strong performance from top pitching prospect Chase Dollander in big league camp on Thursday in his bid to make the Opening Day roster, the team received less fortunate news concerning their top position player prospect. The 2024 third overall pick, Charlie Condon, sustained a left wrist injury on Tuesday while diving to make a catch against the Athletics in the first Minor League game of the spring and is undergoing further evaluation to determine the nature of the injury.

Condon, 21, was playing in the outfield when his glove hand appeared to roll underneath his body as he attempted to catch the ball. A similar type of injury happened to Rockies outfielder Jordan Beck last season when he dove for a ball early in the season and rolled his wrist, breaking his hand and missing 60 games. The Rockies’ top prospects are scheduled to face off against the Chicago White Sox on Sunday in the Spring Breakout game and Condon was likely to start in the lineup to give Rockies fans a first look at Condon in Rockies purple. Now, they will be without their No. 2 prospect as the organization hopes it’s nothing too severe.

Taken third overall in 2024, Condon signed a $9.25 bonus with the Rockies after a record-setting career at the University of Georgia. The right-handed was known for his slugging prowess at the plate and was even thought to be a first overall pick capable of transforming an organization. Almost surprisingly, Condon fell to the Rockies, a result that delighted the organization.

However, Condon struggled out the gate in his first taste of professional ball. In 25 games with High-A Spokane, Condon hit .180 with a .518 OPS, one home run, 11 RBIs, and four stolen bases. The production was underwhelming, and there was a contributing factor to it as Condon was reportedly playing with a bone spur on his right ring finger and did not inform anyone. As a result of the injury, he changed his bat grip to compensate.

Hopes are high for Condon with the organization as he has drawn comparisons to current Rockie Kris Bryant. The Rockies were set on drafting Bryant back in 2013 before the Chicago Cubs took him second overall, believing he could be the buoy for them the way he turned out being for the Cubs. That connection is partly why the Rockies signed Bryant in 2022, coining him as an “aircraft carrier.”

Condon hadn’t appeared in any Cactus League games but did face Major League pitching in intrasquad matchups. He faced a full count against left-hander Lucas Gilbreath before popping out, and also lined hard to left field against right-hander Anthony Molina.

“I’m here to show myself,” Condon said. “I’m here to flash the hit tool, flash the power tool, show the defensive versatility that I have in my bag. But I want to be myself, continue to grow as a player, create relationships with teammates, get to know guys throughout the organization, grow closer as a group but also as an individual.”

Should the wrist injury be severe enough that he misses a large chunk in 2025, it will be an unfortunate step back for the Rockies. Condon’s pedigree in college suggested a rapid ascension to the big leagues, perhaps as early as this season if he hit the ground running in the minors. Now, that timeline will get pushed back for an undeterminate amount of time but there is the silver lining that it will give the Rockies more time to sort through their roster while they wait for Condon.

Defensive versatility was a calling card for Condon that the Rockies valued. He has spent time at both corner infield and outfield positions, and for now, the Rockies view Condon as an outfielder. He may have below-average speed but he gets better underway and does profile as an effective corner bat thanks to his strong throwing arm.

The Rockies have plenty of hope that Condon can develop into the player they wanted to get back in 2013, but they also have to hope that the comparisons to Bryant stop there as the team has been plagued by a shadow of that player on their current roster. There is plenty of excitement for Condon, but fans will have to wait a little bit longer as they hold their breath waiting for the news of his injury.