Predicting the Rockies’ 2021 first-round draft selection (2.0)

We’re less than a month away from the 2021 MLB Draft, and the draft rumors are heating up.

As a refresher, the Rockies have the following draft picks:

• First Round: 8th pick
• Second Round: 44th pick
• Competitive Balance Round B: 68th pick
• Third Round: 79th pick
• Fourth Round: 109th pick

On May 17, I surveyed the first mock drafts to see what the experts had predicted for the Rockies. Initially, the Rockies were linked to Tyler Madden, Adrian Del Castillo, Sal Frelick, Matt McLain, and Kahlil Watson. Since then, we’ve seen the retirement of Riley Pint, and the takes on what the Rockies may do have changed a lot, so it’s time for a mock draft update. (It’s also worth noting that there’s considerable uncertainty around the Rockies’ decision-making process.)

With this in mind, here’s what the experts are saying.

Brady House, SS, Winder-Barrow HS (Winder, Ga.), University of Tennessee commit (MLB.com, CBSSports.com, NBCSports.com)

A shortstop and right-handed pitcher, Brady House, 6’3” and 210 lbs., combines power and a plus arm. Defensively, he is expected to move to third base. Although he’s made some swing adjustments, in 79 games, he slashed .524/.629/.868 for 17 home runs. He has also stolen 34 bases.

Below are his scouting grades:

• Hit: 60
• Power: 70
• Run: 40
• Arm: 60
• Field: 50
• Overall: 55

Here’s some video:

Colton Cowser, OF, Sam Houston State (FanGraphs, Bleacher Report)

Cowser, 6’3” and 195 lbs, bats left, throws right, and is widely regarded as one of the best pure hitters in this year’s draft. He’s slashing .374/.490/.680, including 16 home runs and 52 RBI. Also notable, he’s stolen 17 bases. He projected to move to a corner rather than stay in center. (Read more of his Sam Houston stats here.) MLB.com has ranked Cowser as the 13th prospect in the 2021 draft.

Below are his scouting grades:

• Hit: 60
• Power: 50
• Run: 60
• Arm: 50
• Field: 55
• Overall: 55

Here’s Cowser in action:

Benny Montgomery, CF, Red Land HS (PA), University of Virginia commit (ESPN)

This 6’4”, 200 lb. outfielder relies on speed and power. The righty has been clocked running a 60-yard dash in 6.32 and has recorded exit velocities of over 100 mph. Interesting note: He won the Perfect Game All-American Classic Home Run Derby.

He has received the following scouting grades:

• Hit: 45
• Power: 55
• Run: 70
• Arm: 60
• Field: 60
• Overall: 50

Here’s Montgomery in action:

★ ★ ★

The draft begins on Sunday, July 11, and it will be held in Denver with the other All-Star Game festivities.

That’s what we know so far. What do you think? Should the Rockies draft one of these players, one from the earlier mock drafts, or someone else? Let us know in the comments.