1. Rise of a Future Ace: Chase Dollander, drafted 9th overall in 2023, dominated the 2024 minors with a 2.59 ERA and 169 Ks, earning a 2025 Spring Training call-up as the Rockies' top pitching prospect since Ubaldo Jiménez.
1. deGrom-Like Fastball: Dollander’s 96-98 mph fastball, with elite spin efficiency and a -4.1° vertical approach angle, mirrors Jacob deGrom’s mechanics and thrives in Coors Field’s thin air.
Minor League Domination: Boasting a 12.9 K/9 ratio across High-A and Double-A in 2024, he struck out 14.3 batters per game in Spokane and earned a Futures Game selection
Conquering Coors Field: His low arm slot and physics-defying fastball trajectory position him to overcome Coors Field’s pitcher-unfriendly reputation, drawing comparisons to Kyle Harrison’s success
1. Spring Training Struggles: Despite a rough Spring Training debut (5 ER in 1.2 IP vs. Athletics), Rockies manager Bud Black praised his composure: “He’ll learn faster than most.”
1. Cactus League Drama: Dollander’s Cactus League debut saw him duel Justin Verlander and surrender a homer to Jung Hoo Lee, but his viral grin after Matt Chapman’s joke humanized the phenom.
Tennessee Legend: At Tennessee, he went 10-0 with a 2.39 ERA and 108 Ks in 2022, clinching SEC Pitcher of the Year and leading the Vols to the College World Series
Personal Journey: Born “Kelby,” he changed his name at 16; his brother Hunter played college ball, and he unwinds by fishing in Georgia’s Oconee River
Hollywood Buzz: Dollander filmed a cameo in Hulu’s 2025 thriller Paradise during the offseason, sparking rumors about potential Hollywood pursuits alongside baseball
1. 2025 Prediction: With the Rockies’ 2024 rotation posting a 7.69 ERA, analysts predict Dollander will debut by September 2025 after refining his changeup in Triple-A Albuquerque.