Griffin Herring Shines Bright as Rockies Prospect of the Year
The Colorado Rockies are witnessing a significant shift in their organizational landscape, particularly in their pitching department. With a focus on rebuilding after a disappointing season, the Rockies have turned their attention to their promising farm system. Among the budding stars is Griffin Herring, a name that has recently garnered attention by being named to MLB Pipeline’s Prospect Team of the Year.
A Rising Star in the Rockies System
Herring, who joined the Rockies from the New York Yankees as part of the trade for Ryan McMahon in June, has quickly established himself as one of the top pitching prospects in baseball. After being drafted in the sixth round of the 2024 MLB Draft out of LSU, Herring transitioned from a successful collegiate reliever to a starting pitcher in the professional ranks without missing a beat.
The 22-year-old showcased remarkable resilience and adaptability this season, making a total of 23 starts across Single-A and High-A. He logged an impressive 119.1 innings pitched, a significant leap from his previous college high of 50.1 innings. Herring delivered a stellar performance, finishing the season with a 1.89 ERA, an 11.2 strikeouts per nine innings ratio, and a stingy 0.997 WHIP. Opposing batters struggled against him, managing a mere .169 batting average.
Dominant Mechanics and Pitch Arsenal
Herring’s success can be attributed to his potent blend of pitches. His fastball, consistently clocking in the mid-90s, is complemented by a devastating slider that has become his go-to strikeout pitch. As he continues to develop his changeup, Herring is proving to be more than just a two-pitch pitcher. His ability to command the strike zone and limit base runners has set him apart in a system that is looking for reliable arms.
While Herring may be slightly older than his peers in High-A, his commanding performances have positioned him as a likely candidate for a promotion to Double-A next season. The Rockies are in need of young, impactful pitchers as they face potential departures in their rotation, especially with German Marquez entering free agency and Antonio Senzatela shifting to the bullpen.
Future Outlook for Herring and the Rockies
The Rockies are banking on Herring’s rapid ascent through the minor leagues, with hopes that he could soon become a fixture on their major league roster. His performance has drawn comparisons to other quick risers, like Chase Dollander, suggesting that Herring may not remain in the minors for long.
As the Rockies turn their gaze toward the future, Herring’s accolades and performance make him a pivotal part of the team’s plans moving forward. His emergence as a top prospect comes at a crucial time for the franchise, as they look to rebuild and re-establish competitiveness in the league. With eyes on the horizon, Griffin Herring is a name that Rockies fans will want to remember.
