The Rockies announced that they had signed right-hander Jaden Hill. Evan Justice, a left-hander, was optioned to Triple-A to free up an active roster space. Dakota Hudson, a right-hander, was transferred to the 60-day disabled list to make room on the 40-man roster.
Hill, now 24, was taken in the 2021 draft. That year, the Rockies selected Hill in the second round, 44th overall. This was despite an already extensive injury history. According to Baseball America, Hill missed a significant amount of time in college due to elbow troubles, and he finally needed Tommy John surgery in 2021. His stock dropped before the selection, but the Rockies took a chance on him.
He was able to return to the mound in 2022, making his professional debut after briefly playing in Rookie level and Single-A. Last year, he made 16 High-A starts and pitched 43 2/3 innings, with mixed results. On the plus side, he struck out 26.3% of batters and induced grounders on 52.4% of balls in play. His 11.5% walk rate was a little high, but not awful, and probably appropriate for a guy still recovering from major surgery. However, he surrendered 11 home runs in that limited sample, raising his ERA to 9.48. His 6.63 FIP was significantly better, but still not an acceptable number.
In 2024, the Rockies shifted him to a bullpen role, which yielded positive results. He began the year at Double-A, pitching 38 1/3 innings in 34 appearances. During that period, he had a 3.52 ERA, 32.9% strikeout rate, 6.5% walk rate, and 50% ground ball rate.
He was promoted to Triple-A, where he produced mixed results. In seven innings during seven appearances in the Pacific Coast League, he has struck out 34.2% of batters and left 52.9% of balls on the ground. However, he has walked 15.8% of hitters faced and surrendered eight earned runs, resulting in a 10.29 ERA. His .500 batting average on balls in play and 57.7% strand rate didn’t help, but the free passes also clearly played a role.
The Rockies are coming off another losing season, and Hill was already scheduled to be Rule 5 eligible this winter. They will give him a roster slot now and use some of their remaining games to get him used to the majors and see how his stuff performs at the highest level. BA presently ranks him as the club’s #26 prospect, stating that his fastball can reach the high 90s with a slider and changeup in the mix.
Hudson was placed on the 15-day injured list on August 11 due to discomfort in his right elbow. The team hasn’t offered any updates on his situation since then, but based on the move to the 60-day list, it appears he won’t be returning this year. He can be kept for 2025 through arbitration, although he has a 6.17 ERA this year and was waived in July before being re-selected to the squad. Given his difficult year and questionable health state, the Rockies could choose not to tender him.
