Rockies Prospect Wimmer Returns to Spring Training After Brain Tumor Surgery

Braylen Wimmer, a 25-year-old infield-outfield prospect, is back in action after undergoing a 3.5-hour surgery to remove a golf ball-sized tumor from his brain.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Rockies prospect Braylen Wimmer, 25, is back in spring training after undergoing surgery in November to remove a golf ball-sized tumor from the left side of his brain. Wimmer, who hit .296 at High-A and Double-A last year, is now doing full baseball activities and expects to be ready for the season when minor league camp breaks. The tumor was diagnosed as an astrocytoma, and doctors couldn't say they removed it all, so Wimmer is undergoing MRIs every three weeks.

Why it matters

Wimmer's recovery and return to baseball is an inspiring story of perseverance in the face of a serious medical challenge. As a top Rockies prospect, his successful comeback could have a big impact on the team's future if he's able to build on his strong 2022 season.

The details

Wimmer underwent the 3.5-hour surgery after an unexpected seizure while playing in the Arizona Fall League. Doctors kept him talking during the procedure to ensure they didn't impact his speech or motor skills, which were close to the tumor's location. Wimmer was hitting soft toss just two weeks after the surgery and has now built back up to full baseball activities, including weight room workouts, hitting, fielding, and running.

  • Wimmer underwent the 3.5-hour surgery in November 2025 to remove the golf ball-sized tumor.
  • Wimmer started hitting soft toss just two weeks after the surgery.
  • Wimmer is now back at Rockies spring training in February 2026, doing full baseball activities.

The players

Braylen Wimmer

A 25-year-old infield-outfield prospect in the Rockies organization who hit .296 at High-A and Double-A in 2022 before an abbreviated Arizona Fall League stint.

Chris Forbes

The Rockies' senior player development director, who is a multi-time cancer survivor currently undergoing treatments and was present for Wimmer's surgery.

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What they’re saying

“It was a lot of baseball, and we were talking about Christmas -- just about anything they could bring up. They were trying to keep me talking, to know where they were in the brain exactly. The tumor was close to where my speech and motor skills are. It was to make sure they didn't nick anything that would impair my speech.”

— Braylen Wimmer, Rockies Prospect (MLB.com)

“Once he talked to a guy that had the same surgery with the same doctor, it helped him really gain his footing. He really had a foundation to get his feet on the ground and start the fight.”

— Chris Forbes, Rockies Senior Player Development Director (MLB.com)

What’s next

Wimmer will continue to undergo MRI scans every three weeks to monitor his recovery, and the Rockies will closely monitor him for any potential issues, such as collisions, during spring training and the upcoming season.

The takeaway

Wimmer's inspiring comeback story demonstrates the resilience and determination of professional athletes in the face of serious medical challenges. His successful return to baseball could provide a boost to the Rockies' farm system and future outlook.