Colorado Rockies Seek Offensive Boost from Top Draft Pick Condon

Delayed by injury, the 3rd overall pick in 2024 aims to help the struggling franchise avoid another 100-loss season.

Feb. 26, 2026 at 7:39pm

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The Colorado Rockies, coming off a franchise-worst 43-119 season, are hoping that 2024 first-round draft pick Charlie Condon can provide a much-needed offensive boost at first base. Condon's progress was delayed by a broken wrist in 2025, but he is now healthy and looking to make an impact in the Rockies' lineup after impressing in the Arizona Fall League.

Why it matters

The Rockies have struggled mightily in recent years, finishing with 100-plus losses in three consecutive seasons and 13 sub-.500 records in the last 15 years. Finding a reliable first baseman has been a challenge, with eight different players seeing time at the position in 2025 and combining for a .211 batting average. Condon represents the team's best hope for a long-term solution at first base and a potential cornerstone of their offense.

The details

The Rockies selected Condon with the 3rd overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, signing him for $9.25 million. However, his progress was delayed by a broken left wrist in 2025. Despite the setback, Condon impressed in the Arizona Fall League, hitting .337 with 13 RBIs and a grand slam in 22 games. The Rockies have also added Edouard Julien from the Twins and prospect T.J. Rumfield from the Yankees to compete for time at first base, but Condon remains the big bat they are counting on to anchor their lineup.

  • Condon was selected 3rd overall by the Rockies in the 2024 MLB Draft.
  • Condon suffered a broken left wrist in 2025, delaying his progress.
  • Condon played in the Arizona Fall League in 2025, hitting .337 with 13 RBIs and a grand slam in 22 games.

The players

Charlie Condon

A 2024 first-round draft pick of the Colorado Rockies who is expected to be a key part of their future offense.

Edouard Julien

A young veteran infielder acquired by the Rockies from the Minnesota Twins, who can play primarily at second base.

T.J. Rumfield

A prospect acquired by the Rockies from the New York Yankees, who is strictly a first baseman.

Todd Helton

A Hall of Fame first baseman who played for the Colorado Rockies for 17 seasons and is considered an irreplaceable franchise icon.

Andres Galarraga

A slugging first baseman who was the Rockies' first hero, winning the NL batting title in 1993 and averaging .316, 34.4 homers, and 115.8 RBIs in his five years with the team.

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What they’re saying

“It's good. I was blessed to not have to get surgery on it. That was a big win and it ended up being about a ten-week deal. Fortunately, I got it taken care of and I feel great.”

— Charlie Condon

“That was cool and means a lot. I try to be a good teammate, a guy that people can depend on.”

— Charlie Condon

“It was good to see Charlie get that slider over the plate and hammer it. That's what he does best, from everything we've heard. It was good to see it in action.”

— Warren Schaeffer, Rockies Manager

What’s next

Condon is likely to open the 2026 season at Triple-A Albuquerque, but the Rockies are hoping he can make an impact at the major league level later in the year to help the team avoid another 100-loss season.

The takeaway

The Colorado Rockies are pinning their hopes on 2024 first-round pick Charlie Condon to provide a much-needed offensive boost at first base and help the franchise turn the corner after years of futility. Condon's development was delayed by injury, but he impressed in the Arizona Fall League and is now healthy, giving the Rockies reason to believe he can be a key part of their future.