Thanks to a number of injuries to the Rockies outfielder, 24-year-old prospect Brenton Doyle is poised to get his first crack at the Major League level. The Rockies prospect is one of the franchise’s more intriguing prospects, thanks to an impressive blend of speed and power at the plate. Here’s a closer look at the new Rockies outfielder.
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A Look at Doyle
Rockies outfielder Brenton Doyle has intrigued for quite some time, thanks to plus raw power that’s he shown in the Minors. A 6’2” outfielder from Shepherd University, Doyle hit eight home runs and 22 extra base hits in his first taste of the Minors back in 2019 with Grand Junction (R). While he did put up those numbers in a hitter-friendly environment, the former fourth-round pick did put himself on the radar as a name to watch.
In 2021, Doyle blasted 16 home runs and 34 extra base hits with Spokane (A+), along with 21 steals. Last season between Hartford (AA) and Albuquerque (AAA), the 24-year-old posted a 26 HR, 23 SB season and hit .256/.300/.473 across the two levels. Thus far with the Isotopes, Doyle hit .306 with five home runs over his first 12 games in the 2023 campaign.
The one real knock on Doyle’s hitting ability is how much contact the West Virginia native can make at the Major League level. The power-hitting outfielder struck out 171 times over 132 games in 2022, and drew just 28 walks. Doyle became more of an aggressive hitter at the plate in 2021-22. With Grand Junction, Doyle averaged nearly four pitches an at-bat. Fast forward three years later, and that figure was down to nearly 3.5. He did draw eight walks in the early goings of 2023, but his ability to work counts and make consistent contact will be something to watch moving forward.
An athletic player with good speed, Doyle has spent most of his Minor League career in center. He does, however, have 91 career games to his name in right and has spent time in left, as well. The arm on the 24-year-old is good, leaving the door open for him to be an above-average outfielder at the Major League level.
What it Means
With Kris Bryant day-to-day and Randal Grichuk on the IL, the promotion of Doyle makes sense. However, it remains to be seen whether Doyle can establish himself as a future Rockie. There’s still questions whether the outfielder — who owns impressive tools — can put it together at the Major League level.
But if Doyle can, the Rockies could have on its hand another strong power-hitter who could excel in the hitter-friendly confines at Coors Field.
