The Rockies lost starting second baseman Brendan Rodgers to the IL but Colorado fans, in turn, will get a potential look at a key piece of their future. Infielder Adael Amador, who’s been on a tear in recent weeks with Double-A Hartford, is joining the Rockies. It’ll mark Amador’s first crack at the MLB level, bypassing Triple-A.
A Look at Amador
Rockies second baseman/shortstop Adael Amador has been a name to watch for years. The 32nd-best prospect in baseball according to MLB.com, Amador shined last season between Spokane (A+) and Hartford (AA), as he hit .287/.380/.495 with 12 home runs and 15 stolen bases in what was an abbreviated, 69-game campaign.
Injuries limited Amador last season, and the 21-year-old stuck in the Eastern League to begin 2024. However, Amador hit just .194/.337/.329 (.666 OPS) over 46 games with Hartford before his promotion.
That slash line might look odd given his promotion but Amador hit just .167 in April. He’s come on since, as Amador hit .318/.400/.773 over five June games with three home runs and all seven of his Double-A home runs this season came after May 20.
Amador’s struck more (18.6%) this season as compared to 2023 (11.5%) but the 21-year-old still walks (15.8%) often. And tools-wise. Amador can be a force on the basepaths, as he swiped 22 bases over 46 games.
Amador does have some pop in his 6’0” frame, a quick bat, and a clean swing with no hitch. Scouting reports have given Amador and his switch-hitting bat a roughly average power tool but he could be a 20-home run hitter at the MLB level with the Rockies and in Coors Field.
Defensively, Amador’s spent most of his time down in the Minors at short. However, he has played 80 career games at second. The Rockies have shortstop handled at the moment, meaning Amador will likely be a second baseman long-term.
Manager Bud Black confirmed that Adael Amador will join the Rockies after Brendan Rodgers landed on the IL. Amador will be the second player in the Rockies’ top-five MLB.com prospect rankings list to make his MLB debut, as Jordan Beck made his debut in April.
Analysis
The loss of Rodgers, who’s out with a right hamstring strain, opens the door for Amador, who’s widely considered the team’s best prospect.
He’ll likely log regular time, given his prospect status, with Colorado and should slot in at second right next to Ezequiel Tovar, who’s had a breakout campaign this year. Entering play on June 8, Tovar sat 10th in the National League in bWAR (2.2).
Fantasy Outlook
Given Amador’s speed, ability to hit, and the friendly confines that is Coors Field, the 21-year-old will be an interesting name to watch. Just be mindful, though, that Amador will need to prove he can hit at the MLB level.
He’s not a must-grab at this moment but monitor carefully.