The Colorado Rockies have a young, fiery pitcher on their hands, and the 2026 season could be his time to shine. Chase Dollander, a 99 mph fastball-throwing sensation, was a no-brainer pick for the team in the 2023 MLB Draft. But his journey to the big leagues hasn't been smooth sailing. Dollander's first MLB stint was rocky, with a 2-12 record and a 6.52 ERA in 21 starts. However, the Rockies see potential in Dollander, who is working on refining his arsenal and mechanics with outside coaches. His fastball, slider, curveball, and changeup are all part of a devastating pitch mix. Dollander's promotion to the majors was a landmark moment for the team, reminiscent of Jon Gray's debut. But the young pitcher's home/road splits were lopsided, with a 3.46 ERA on the road and a 9.98 ERA at home. Dollander's walk rate of 11.1% over 98 innings is an area he'll need to address. With veteran starters like Michael Lorenzen, Tomoyuki Sugano, and Jose Quintana joining the rotation, Dollander has seasoned voices to lean on. The Rockies' strategy is clear: target pitchers who can attack the zone at altitude while limiting walks. Dollander is ready to turn heads in 2026, and the Rockies are banking on his breakout season.
