Rox prospect Carrigg: 'I've got everything I need to be a big leaguer'

This story was excerpted from Thomas Harding’s Rockies Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Major League camp made the desired impression on center fielder and Colorado prospect Cole Carrigg. And he hopes that he and some of the other young Rockies left good vibes with the Major League team.

Carrigg, the Rockies’ No. 3 prospect who will feature in their Spring Breakout game against the White Sox on Sunday in Glendale, Ariz., went 3-for-15 with two doubles in Cactus League play.

Before the Rockies reassigned Carrigg to Minor League camp on March 5, manager Bud Black identified him as a player to watch because of his athletic ability.

Black’s assessment was less a revelation than a confirmation. Before the Rockies drafted him 65th overall in 2023, Carrigg turned heads at the MLB Draft Combine with a 102 mph throw from the outfield. He also is a switch-hitter with such speed that the Rockies, like his amateur teams, moved him from his preferred position of catcher.

Carrigg also posted an .833 OPS with 16 home runs and 51 stolen bases while helping High-A Spokane to the Northwest League championship last season.

“I know I’ve got everything I need to be a big leaguer,” Carrigg said. “For me, it’s consistency -- taking those lows and making them as short as possible. It’s being more consistent with my play and how I carry myself, and not letting my emotions get the best of me. It’s kind of who I am -- I’m not going to be able to take it all away. But it’s being able to handle it a little better.”

When games begin, Carrigg plays with an intense edge that should eventually help the Major League squad. But, like his Spokane teammate Kyle Karros (Rockies No. 21 prospect), Carrigg learned that experienced players dial down the intensity this time of year so it doesn’t get in the way of building the fundamental base that’s needed when games begin and everything is faster.

“They’re getting their approach and their at-bats in, and the way they carry themselves really set in with me,” Carrigg said. “I like how they go about things. It’s not the end of the world if they get out. They stay calm and just go about their day.”

But Carrigg hopes the younger players added a freshness.

“Me, Karros, Ryan Ritter, Sterlin Thompson, Benny Montgomery all have come across each other a lot and have a really good camaraderie, we have a lot of fun, and I think that rubbed off on some of the other guys,” Carrigg said. “The way we go about things is more letting loose and enjoying yourself while you’re out there.”