Unbeknownst to fans across the league, the Colorado Rockies have a glut of talented outfield prospects stacking their farm system. A log jam has been a problem for years for the Rockies and that problem could finally come to a head in 2024 and draftees begin knocking on the door of the Major League roster. The beauty of Spring Training is the opportunity for these young players to audition for and make an impression on the top brass of the organization. One such prospect already making some noise is Jordan Beck.

Selected out of the University of Tennessee 38th overall by the Rockies in 2022, Beck dazzled in his first full professional season in 2023. In 126 games across two levels, finishing the year in Double-A, Beck batted .271/.364/.503 and finished with 61 extra-base hits and was tied for third in the organization with his 134 wRC+. In High-A Spokane, he was named the Northwest League MVP after slashing .292/.378/.566 with 20 home runs and 72 RBI in 76 games. He showed off an intriguing combination of athleticism and pop in his first full year, finishing with a 20-20 campaign.

Entering Spring Training as a non-roster invitee with the Rockies, Beck is likely to begin the year in Double-A. Near the end of the 2023 season, by his own admission, he slightly ran out of steam due to the long grind of a minor league season.

“It was my first full year, so I see how my body adjusted throughout the season and there were certain things I wanted to change in my lifting at the end of the season,” said Beck to MLB.com’s Thomas Harding.

The jump to Double-A is a tough one in the Rockies organization due to it being one of the most neutral environments to hit, but despite the challenges, Beck still showed plenty of promise. Reinvigorated for the new season, he is setting his sights on helping the big league squad.

The baseball world is certainly noticing as MLB.com ranked him 81st in their Top 100 prospects list. While there are still some questions about swing-and-miss, it’s pretty clear that Beck is going to be able to keep tapping into his tantalizing raw power as he develops more. At 22 years old, his estimated time of arrival for the Rockies is 2025, but he could make that sooner depending on how his 2024 season develops.

His spring training performance is going to do a lot of heavy lifting in how the Rockies make plans for the coming season. So far, In just nine at-bats over five games Beck has five hits, including a double, and two RBI. He has taken professional, competitive at-bats, and put the ball in play. Strikeouts are something he is continuing to improve upon and has worked to offset that by drawing more walks as a pro. So far, there is plenty to be happy about with Beck and it should one both the Rockies and fans excited about what they will see from him in the coming year.

“I wouldn’t say advanced. I would say polished,” hitting coach Hensley Meulens told Harding in categorizing Beck. “He’s had success, comes in with confidence and wants to show us what he can do. Time will tell, but it’s a joy to watch.”

Beck’s power is just one aspect of his talent as his ability to hit all fields with some pop is what will make him valuable. Beyond the power, Beck has the potential to put up impressive numbers at the plate and compliment that with his baserunning skills and super-athletic profile. Strikeouts are going to come, as is natural for a power hitter of his profile, but his growth will come from being able to take good at-bats, put the ball in play, and continue to develop his vision. So far in Spring Training, he’s showing evidence of that growth.

With a new wave of prospects marching towards the Rockies roster with the hopes of competing, Beck is one piece competing for his spot at the table and is proving he is quite worthy of one. Don’t be surprised if he makes his debut in 2024 before the season ends, because he is a representation of the bright future the Rockies are holding on to.