In a search for a franchise cornerstone to bolster the team offensively, the Colorado Rockies found the perfect opportunity with their first selection in the 2024 draft, selecting Charlie Condon third overall from the University of Georgia.

GOT OUR DAWG pic.twitter.com/SHwohAvStA

— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) July 14, 2024

The Rockies had been predicted by most mock drafts to go with Chase Burns, a right-handed pitcher from Wake Forest, but after the Cleveland Guardians selected infielder Travis Bazzana from Oregon State first overall and Cincinnati selected Burns, the stage was set for the Rockies to select Condon. The 6-foot-6 right-handed slugger is now the highest-drafted player in the history of Georgia Bulldogs baseball

He had been projected as the best overall talent in the draft and considered by many to be a top-two pick but by a stroke of luck fell to the Rockies. A walk-on at Georgia, Condon quickly progressed as one the best hitters in the nation after he redshirted the 2022 campaign, then earned unanimous National Freshman of the Year honors in 2023 before taking things to a whole other level in 2024.

This year, he won the Dick Howser Trophy as college baseball’s national player of the year. He won the Golden Spikes Award as the country’s top amateur baseball player. He led the NCAA in most major offensive categories, slugging the most home runs (37) of any collegiate player in the last quarter-century and posting the highest OPS (1.565) in the SEC by 131 points. He became one the most feared hitters in the nation and the process is not only impressive but inspiring.

In 116 games of NCAA action, Condon hit .410 with a 1.433 OPS. He racked up 181 hits, 62 home runs, 145 RBI and 401 total bases, breaking countless records. He also drew 90 walks against just 86 strikeouts during his collegiate career making him a threat in the box.

From a walk-on at @BaseballUGA to the #3 overall pick in the #MLBDraft!

Coach Vitello shines the spotlight on the newest member of the @Rockies organization, @CharlieCondon14. pic.twitter.com/oXqqJIPGiu

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) July 15, 2024

“It’s been crazy, and I’m thankful for that,” Condon said during his MLB Network interview. “It’s been a lot of work for myself, and also a lot of hard work and the people that I’ve been surrounded with. That’s a thing I’ve learned along the way. One, being able to trust in your own process and be comfortable in your own skin; two, is the importance of finding good people and finding your people to surround yourself with.”

While Condon has been fearsome at the plate he also provides a good bit of defensive versatility that the Rockies value. He played mainly third base in 2024 but features a strong throwing arm and is athletic enough that he is capable of handling all three outfield spots, though he will most likely project as a corner outfielder.

It’s unclear how aggressive the Rockies will be with Condon’s development but the possibility of hopping on a fast track is in the cards. Condon slots in as one of the best hitters in the Rockies system and has drawn many comps to current Rockie veteran Kris Bryant, a player the Rockies were set on drafting back in 2013. His power potential was already enticing, but the prospect of hitting at Coors Field could prove too much for the Rockies to ignore. Should Condon immediately start playing and prove successful in the minors, there is a chance he could follow in the footsteps of Texas Rangers outfielder Wyatt Langford and find himself on the big league roster early in 2025.

Luke Zahlmann of The Denver Gazette reported on X reactions of Rockies personnel about selecting Condon. Needless to say the reviews are glowing.

Talking to the #Rockies personnel folks now.

On Charlie Condon:

“Face of the franchise”

“Jumping for joy to get him third”

“The kind of guy who has a chance to change the face of the organization”

— Luke Zahlmann (@lukezahlmann) July 15, 2024

While Condon has already set and proved high expectations, he is still focused on his growth as a player.

“Just continue to develop as a hitter, and continue to develop my defensive versatility,” he said. “I was willing to ease into different positions this year and [be] a moveable piece throughout lineups.”

The Rockies couldn’t afford to miss on their first-round pick and in drafting Condon they not only avoided missing but, much like their selection, knocked it out of the park.