Kyle Parker

One of the more highly-regarded prospects to debut with the Rockies last season, Parker was a bust across his three stints in the majors. He gathered just five hits over 26 plate appearances, failing to draw a walk while striking out on 14 occasions. The small number of at-bats makes it difficult to make any sweeping conclusions about Parker, but it followed a pattern of offensive decline as he’s gradually moved up the ladder from High-A Modesto. His .289/.336/.450 line in 542 plate appearances at Triple-A Colorado Springs in 2014 would normally seem impressive; however, it was production only marginally better than the average hitter (102 wRC+) after adjusting for his league and park. The 25-year-old will battle for a reserve role at first base and the corner outfield for the Rockies this spring and badly needs to show a resurgence in power in order to avoid a trip back to Triple-A -- and create more optimism that he’ll eventually develop into a lineup regular in the majors.

Moving up to Double-A Tulsa last season, Parker came close to maintaining the power production he displayed in the California League, finishing 2013 with 23 homers and a satisfying .288/.345/.492 batting line. He didn’t stop hitting in the Arizona Fall League, but what was more significant was that he saw most of his AFL duty at first base instead of the corner outfield spot he manned throughout the minors. With Todd Helton’s retirement creating an opening at first base for the first time, it appears the Rockies view Parker as a worthy long-term successor, though he probably won’t be handed the gig out of spring training this season. Instead, the Rockies will likely have Parker begin 2014 at Triple-A Colorado Springs to gain more defensive experience at first and improve his pitch recognition after his walk rate noticed a sizable dip at Tulsa. He should make his debut with the big club at some point later in the season.

Parker's decision to forego a potential football career has been the Rockies' gain, as the former Clemson quarterback turned in his second impressive campaign, this time for High-A Modesto. Perhaps the most encouraging sign in Parker's development was his increased plate discipline, as he finished the season with a 88:66 K:BB ratio. As anticipated, Parker also demonstrated above-average power with 47 extra-base hits, but Parker's biggest challenge this season will be proving that he was not merely a product of the California League like so many prospects before him. If Parker quickly finds success at Double-A, he could earn an early promotion to Triple-A and even merit consideration as a September callup.