Colorado Rockies prospect Charlie Condon made his Major League Spring Training debut in right field on Saturday against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The 22-year-old, selected third overall in the 2024 MLB Draft, went 2-for-3 with two runs scored in an 11-6 victory. Condon is focusing on positional flexibility to enhance his path to the majors amid a crowded first-base competition.
Scottsdale, Ariz. -- MLB Pipeline ranks Charlie Condon as the Colorado Rockies' No. 2 prospect and No. 70 overall. The University of Georgia product, known for record-setting power in college, played 95 games at first base last year across his minor league season and the Arizona Fall League. With the Rockies' first-base roster crowded, Condon is emphasizing versatility to boost his chances of reaching Denver.
Manager Warren Schaeffer started Condon in right field for the first time in a professional regular-season context, a position he prepared for during the offseason. Condon had anticipated multi-positional play, stating, “I figured I wasn’t going to be playing only first base while I was here at camp.” He added outfield drills like drop-steps and recently practiced reading balls off the bat under Arizona's higher sky.
In a player plan meeting with front office and coaching staff, Condon learned he would primarily play first base but also shift positions. Schaeffer praised his approach: “I’ve seen him for about two weeks, and I like the way he goes about his business. He’s proficient in both corners in the outfield, and then possibly some third base.” Last season, Condon appeared in 11 games in left field and five at third base.
Condon overcame injuries last year, including a fractured left wrist from a diving catch in Minor League camp against the Athletics and a right hand injury from college that limited his early pro stats to .180 over 25 games at High-A Spokane. He returned on May 5, accumulating 531 plate appearances in 121 games, including stints at Spokane (.312/.431/.420 in 35 games), Hartford (.235, 11 HR, 38 RBIs in 55 games), and the Fall League (.337, 13 RBIs in 22 games, with one grand slam home run).
He earned the Arizona Fall League's Dernell Stenson Sportsmanship Award, noting, “I’m trying to be a guy that people can lean on.” Likely starting in Triple-A Albuquerque, Condon remains focused: “My whole thing is that my job is, no matter what, to play the best baseball wherever I am.”
