Bold opening: The Rockies just handed Charlie Condon a golden opportunity, and he's seizing it with both hands. And this is the part most people miss: a single spring invite can launch a career.
Scottsdale, Ariz. – The Colorado Rockies invited 20 non-roster players to join Major League camp this year, with their standout 2025 No. 2 prospect, Charlie Condon, leading the list. Drafted third overall in 2024 as a versatile infielder/outfielder from the University of Georgia, Condon has rocketed through the organization. He closed 2025 at Double-A Hartford and earned a spot in the Arizona Fall League, where he also nabbed a Fall Star designation and won the Dernell Stenson Sportsmanship Award. The trophy even earned a spot on his dresser, though he hopes to expand his trophy room soon.
This season marks Condon’s first big-league camp experience.
“It’s fantastic,” Condon said last weekend about the initial exposure. “Being around the big-league group has been really welcoming. It’s a great experience—I know everyone here is excited to work.”
Condon has used the camp to build rapport with potential peers and new teammates alike.
“There have been a number of guys I’ve already crossed paths with in the minor leagues here,” he explained. “But it’s also great to get to know players I haven’t played with yet, and the new guys we brought in this offseason. We’ve got a solid group of position players. It’s been fun forming relationships and reconnecting with guys I’ve played with, while meeting new ones.”
Beyond camaraderie, he’s testing offseason adjustments in real camp settings.
“I’ve been working on adjustability at the plate,” he shared. “I moved my hands up a bit to encourage a more natural turn. I hit well in the Fall League for average, but this should help with OPS and ball flight while keeping a natural swing. The goal is to translate that into more power this year, all while getting stronger and staying healthy.”
Condon also remains flexible about where he’ll be used, ready to contribute at first base or in the corner outfield.
“I’m day-to-day wherever they need me,” he said. “Most of my work lately has been at first, but I still shag in the outfield during BP to stay sharp with routes and reads. If the Rockies need me in the outfield or at first, I’ll be ready.”
The teenager-turned-pro is most excited by the challenge of big-league camp.
“This competition is the strongest I’ve faced in my career,” he smiled. “I’ve performed well against top minor-leaguers, but this is as high as it gets. I’m eager to grow closer with this group and test myself against the best.”
Condon also notes the clubhouse energy has shifted under the new leadership, with a palpable sense of optimism and clearer communication.
“There’s a different energy this year,” he said. “There’s optimism, and I think we’ve got the right people in place. We’ll keep pushing forward.”
Looking ahead, the Rockies are intentionally opening camp this year after years of a more insular approach. They’ve released visible glimpses of day-in-the-life activities and base-running drills to the media, reinforcing Schaefer and DePodesta’s commitments to transparency and communication.
Meanwhile, RJ Petit, drafted in the Rule 5 Draft by Colorado in December, is slated for bullpen duty in 2026. Kevin Henry profiles the towering 6-foot-8, 300-pound right-hander and what he could contribute.
As discussions about the Rockies’ rotation continue, analysts weigh in on how the retooling will unfold. Jeremy Gretzer recently gave Colorado a B- for their efforts to strengthen a young rotation, while outlining a potential setup of Kyle Freeland, José Quintana, Michael Lorenzen, Tomoyuki Sugano, and Ryan Feltner. Do you agree with that grade and the proposed rotation, or would you assemble a different mix?
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