After a strong start to 2024 and an injury to Nolan Jones, the Rockies are set to call up former first-round pick Jordan Beck, ranked #4 in the Rockies’ farm system by MLB.com, to the Majors.
A Look at Beck
Originally drafted by Boston out of high school in 2019, Rockies outfielder Jordan Beck was selected 38th overall by Colorado after a standout career at Tennessee. Beck hit 33 home runs over his final two seasons in Knoxville, displaying power, base-stealing prowess, and the ability to draw walks.
Since going pro, Beck’s done the same. Between High-A and Double-A last season, Beck posted an .867 OPS, 25 home runs, and 20 stolen bases. This season in Albuquerque, Beck cracked five home runs and 17 extra-base hits over 25 Triple-A games.
Beck proved he could hit Major League pitching this past spring. A case in point was on April 25, when the 23-year-old recorded multiple hits off rehabbing Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler, one of which was off a 95 MPH fastball at the top of the zone.
He’s got quick hands and a strong frame, both of which bode well for his future. Scouting reports have questioned his hit tool, although his career MiLB K% rate of 23.4% wasn’t too bad.
Defensively, Beck spent the plurality of his time at left but also received significant time in both center and right field.
Beck will reportedly join the Rockies for their upcoming series against the Marlins.
Analysis
Outfielder Nolan Jones was pulled from the Rockies’ game on April 28 in Mexico City due to back tightness, in what’s been a frustrating start for a player who had a 20-20 campaign last season. Jones has just a .519 OPS on the season and it’s not the first time he’s dealt with back issues this year.
With Jones likely headed to the IL, Beck is set to take his place in the lineup.
Beck’s a left fielder by trade, which works given that Jones has primarily played left this year. And, he’ll join an outfield that includes Sean Bouchard and Brenton Doyle, the latter of whom has performed very well over the first weeks of 2024, despite the high strikeout numbers.
Fantasy Outlook
Beck was one of our hitting prospects to watch in fantasy for April. The 23-year-old was a 20-20 player last season in the Minors and with his tools, he’s got the potential to be a very intriguing piece for players thanks to the hitter-friendly confines of Coors Field.