Rockies' Amador Aims to Reclaim Second Base Spot

Young infielder faces stiff competition but remains confident in his abilities

Apr. 11, 2026 at 7:58am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting a baseball player in mid-swing, broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric planes in a vibrant color palette, conceptually representing Adael Amador's journey to secure a starting role with the Rockies.Amador's unorthodox style and determination to reclaim his spot in the Rockies' lineup are captured in this cubist-inspired illustration.Albuquerque Today

Adael Amador, once the Rockies' top prospect, is determined to regain his spot at second base after an injury-plagued 2024 season. Despite facing a crowded field of competitors, the 23-year-old switch-hitter is confident in his skills and focused on improving his defense and baserunning to secure a major league role.

Why it matters

Amador's journey highlights the challenges young players face in breaking through to the majors, especially with the Rockies' history of rushing prospects. His resilience and mentorship of younger players also speak to the importance of player development and team chemistry.

The details

After a promising 2024 debut was cut short by an oblique injury, Amador has worked tirelessly to bounce back. This spring, he's making noise again, crushing the team's first Cactus League home run. While his Minor League stats and switch-hitting ability are undeniable, his defensive transition from shortstop to second base remains a work in progress.

  • Amador turned 23 in April 2026.
  • He played 80 games at Triple-A Albuquerque last season, batting .303/.405/.478.
  • Amador hit the Rockies' first Cactus League home run this spring.

The players

Adael Amador

A 23-year-old infielder and former top prospect in the Rockies' system, Amador is determined to reclaim the second base job after an injury-plagued 2024 debut.

Willi Castro

A veteran free agent signed by the Rockies, who is competing with Amador for the second base position.

Edouard Julien

Another infielder in the Rockies' system who is vying for the second base job.

Tyler Freeman

An infielder in the Rockies' system who is also competing for the second base role.

Nicky Lopez

An infielder in the Rockies' system who is part of the competition for the second base position.

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What they’re saying

“My confidence was always high. The most important thing is being healthy. I always had faith in God that I would be able to play when needed, and I'm thankful for that.”

— Adael Amador

“He's always been a good hitter—the decision-making and contact skills are good. We're saying let's do more with it, be a good at-bat guy but let's do damage. The foundation of a good switch-hitter helps.”

— Josh Byrnes, Rockies General Manager

“He's a guy that walks more than he strikes out historically. We need guys like that.”

— Warren Schaeffer, Rockies Manager

What’s next

Amador will need to continue improving his defense and baserunning to secure a spot on the Rockies' major league roster. The team's second base battle will likely continue throughout spring training and into the regular season.

The takeaway

Amador's journey serves as a reminder that talent alone isn't enough in professional baseball. It's about perseverance, adaptability, and growth. The Rockies' influx of new talent at second base has made Amador's path to a starting role more challenging, but his resilience and potential make him a player worth watching as the team's roster battles unfold.