Ryan Castellani

A second-round selection in the 2014 draft, Castellani was impressive in 2015 despite pitching in the hitter-friendly environments of the California League. The 20-year-old righty notched a 3.81 ERA in 167.2 innings. That placed him sixth in the league in ERA among qualified hurlers. He also led the league in strikeouts with 142. Castellani was able to keep the ball down in the zone, as evidenced by his 1.46 GB/FB, which should certainly aid his cause if he eventually makes it to the big-league level in Colorado. Castellani's fastball sits in the mid-90s, but the development of his secondary pitches, most notably the changeup and slider, will go a long ways towards determining his future success.

Shortly after he was selected with the 48th overall pick in the 2014 draft, the 18-year-old Castellani bypassed a scholarship from Arizona State University to sign with the Rockies in June. At 6-foot-4 and 195 pounds, Castellani possesses ideal size and seemingly the imposing repertoire to match, as his fastball already sits in the low-to-mid-90s and figures to gain a few ticks as he fills out his frame. The right-hander wasn't a prolific strikeout artist in high school, nor in his 37 innings with the Rockies’ Northwest League affiliate, but it’s his ability to generate groundballs that has the organization excited about his potential. That attribute is more vital to the Rockies than any other organization, given how Coors Field has proven historically ruinous for pitchers more reliant on flyballs to record outs. Castellani will likely be brought along slowly through the minors and figures to see time at Low-A Asheville this season.