The Colorado Rockies are gearing up for a potential pitching revolution, and Chase Dollander is at the heart of it. But is he the real deal or just a flash in the pan?
The Rockies' faith in Dollander was evident as they swiftly selected him with the ninth pick in the 2023 MLB Draft. And why not? With a blazing fastball reaching 99 mph, a deadly slider, and a curveball-changeup combo in the works, he's a force to be reckoned with.
His arrival in Colorado sparked excitement, reminiscent of the buzz around Jon Gray's early days. But the road to stardom isn't always smooth. Dollander's debut season was a rollercoaster. He started strong, got sent down to Triple-A to fine-tune his mechanics, then returned only to be sidelined by a knee injury.
Here's where it gets intriguing: Despite a disappointing 2-12 record and a 6.52 ERA in 21 starts, there's more to his story. His road performances were solid, but the high altitude of Colorado seemed to be his Achilles' heel, causing a surge in home runs and a staggering 9.98 home ERA.
And this is the part most people miss: Dollander's dedication to improvement. He's been working tirelessly with external coaches to refine his mechanics, specifically targeting the leg kick that was affecting his accuracy. (Source: MLB.com)
With these adjustments and his raw talent, Dollander is poised to be Colorado's breakout star. But he's not the only one. Ryan Feltner, after recovering from injuries, is also a contender.
The Rockies' offseason moves, bringing in experienced starters like Lorenzen, Sugano, and Quintana, showcase their commitment to developing young talent. These veterans provide guidance and stability, a crucial aspect for Dollander's growth as he aims to reduce walks and command the zone.
As Dollander steps into the 2026 season with enhanced control and a fearless approach, will he live up to the hype? Only time will tell. But one thing's for sure: the Rockies' pitching staff is about to get a lot more interesting.
