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Ranking the Colorado Rockies’ Top 5 Pitching Prospects Heading into 2015

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Ranking the Colorado Rockies' Top 5 Pitching Prospects Heading into 2015

Colorado Rockies Jon Gray
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The Colorado Rockies have endured five straight disappointing seasons since their last playoff appearance, but with one of the better farm systems in baseball, there is hope that the franchise can start turning things around. The highlight of that farm system is Colorado’s young pitching. Here is a look at the Rockies’ top five pitching prospects heading into 2015.

5. Scott Oberg

Scott Oberg
Rick Scuteri - USATODAY Sports

5. Scott Oberg

Scott Oberg
Rick Scuteri - USATODAY Sports

Oberg has been a closer throughout his minor league career, and he has a chance to be a quality late-game reliever in the majors. He features a mid-90s fastball and a curveball that can put hitters away. Oberg also has the mentality of a late-game reliever and is not afraid to go after hitters. If things continue to go well for him, he could be in the majors at some point in 2015.

4. Tyler Anderson

Tyler Anderson
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4. Tyler Anderson

Tyler Anderson
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Injuries have held back Anderson, but if he stays healthy, he can pitch in the big leagues for a lot of years. Outside of a plus changeup, his stuff is fairly average, but he does have a good four-pitch mix, as well as a deceptive delivery. Anderson doesn't have a high ceiling, but if he stays healthy, he'll get to the big leagues quickly and could fit into the back-end of Colorado's rotation in the not-too-distant future.

3. Kyle Freeland

Atlanta Braves v Colorado Rockies
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3. Kyle Freeland

Atlanta Braves v Colorado Rockies
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The Rockies took Freeland with the eighth overall pick in 2014, and he had an impressive minor league campaign, despite pitching just 39 innings. There are some concerns about his low arm angle from the left side, but both his fastball and slider are swing-and-miss pitches, and he rarely walks opposing batters. He's a few years away, but he looks like a future big league, even if he has to move to the bullpen at some point.

2. Eddie Butler

Colorado Rockies Photo Day
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2. Eddie Butler

Colorado Rockies Photo Day
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Butler has the potential to pitch at the front of a big-league rotation, as he features a mid-90s fastball that can sometimes reach the upper 90s. He also has a curve, slider and changeup that all have the potential to be average or better pitches. If he can keep his walks under control, he'll be able to remain a starter long term; otherwise, he'll be a flame thrower who comes out of the bullpen.

1. Jon Gray

Colorado Rockies Photo Day
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1. Jon Gray

Colorado Rockies Photo Day
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Gray is one of the top pitching prospects in baseball after the Rockies drafted him third overall in 2013. His fastball is regularly in the mid-to-upper 90s, and he throws a nice slider to complement it. He's also shown good control for such a hard thrower. That has allowed him to move fast through the farm system, giving him a chance to reach the majors at some point in 2015.

Bryan Zarpentine is a writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter and like him on Facebook.
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