Two Young Rockies Hitters Have Emerged As Important Parts of Lineup

Cole Carrigg and Zac Veen represent the Colorado Rockies' future success, but they are getting a jump on looking like stars early in their careers

Colorado Rockies outfielder Zac Veen | Credit: Darren Yamashita | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

As the Colorado Rockies face another last-place finish and are in danger of a potentially fourth-straight 100-loss season, the team has shown signs of life in 2026. Young stars like catcher Hunter Goodman and shortstop Ezequiel Tovar are leading a new generation of hope in the Rocky Mountains.

And while all the changes haven't quite taken hold yet, those who root for the Rockies can look at the current level of their already-established Major League talent, knowing that there is a bevy of talented prospects, such as outfielder Roldy Brito and Charlie Condon, on their way to Denver.

Aside from those names, two young outfielders have stepped to the forefront in their rookie runs with the Rox. Emerging stars Cole Carrigg and Zac Veen are both blossoming at the big-league level. They've provided moxie near the Mountains, and the fans and media are starting to take notice.

With the Rockies trailing by a run in the seventh inning of the series finale in San Francisco last weekend and the baseball sitting right beside the plate, Zac Veen broke for home. https://t.co/hSQZxcM3um

— Denver Post Sports (@DPostSports) August 19, 2026

For his part, Veen has been a feel-good story in Colorado this season. He's currently hitting .263 with two home runs and seven RBIs in just eight games played. He's shown a penchant for clutch hits and exciting play, but the organization's 2020 first-round pick says that he's just finding his natural groove.

“I’d say I’m always trying to anticipate anything happening," Veen said, according to the Denver Post. "I’d also say I’m playing with a lot of faith right now — just going out there and doing what feels natural, and letting (the game) take care of itself.”

An Exciting, Competitive Tandem

Colorado Rockies outfielder Cole Carrigg | Credit: Christopher Hanewincke | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Carrigg, the Rockies' 2023 second-round pick, is hitting .284 with five homers and 34 RBIs through the first 58 big-league games of his rookie year. Much like Veen, he looks as if he could be a fixture in Denver for a long time, thanks to his ability to reach base and drive in runs. He isn't the world's most powerful hitter, but he does all the things a good team needs to succeed.

“I’ll always have that competitive nature, that competitive edge,” Carrigg said. “(That comes from) being the best player that I can be to help my team win ballgames, and if I’m not doing that at any point in time, I’m going to be rather upset about it.

“But that’s something I’m definitely still working on to not let it (simmer in my mind) — whether it’s traveling (with that emotion) into the dugout or whatnot, I just try to keep it to myself as much as I can. But I’ve always been a super competitive-edge type of player, and I’ll always be like that.”