It is the most Groundhog Day feeling in the Colorado Rockies organization, asking about a possible answer at first base. A question that has often plagued the Rockies since Hall-of-Famer Todd Helton retired in 2013. The Rockies have had veterans fill in admirably for a couple of quality seasons here and there. I:e Justin Morneau, Mark Reynolds, and C.J. Cron. But a true long-term answer at the position has eluded the Rockies. Michael Toglia looked the part for much of 2024, but had a disastrous 2025 and is now in Cincinnati. After passing on veteran options in free agency, will one of several internal options emerge as the potential long-term answer the Rockies have been seeking?
Charlie Condon
Condon, the 61st overall prospect per MLB Pipeline, is the option that jumps off the page. Condon, a right-handed bat, was drafted third overall by the Rockies out of the University of Georgia in 2024 and is an imposing 6’5″, 216 lbs. Part of the reason Condon was drafted so high was the immense power he showed at Georgia. Over his two seasons with the Bulldogs in 2023-24, he hit a whopping 62 home runs. In his sophomore season in 2024, he hit an absurd 37 home runs with a 1.565 OPS. Per Georgia University’s Sports Information department, Condon became just the third player in NCAA history to lead the nation in batting average (.433) and home runs (37) in the same season.
He dealt with a hand injury during his first minor-league season. But the power the Rockies envisioned came around. Including an impressive Arizona Fall League stint in 2025. In which Condon posted a .337 average and .873 OPS over 22 games with the Salt River Rafters. That performance has carried over to this spring. Condon is currently tied with fellow first baseman TJ Rumfield for the team lead with three home runs. He is also tied for the team lead in games played (nine) and has posted a stellar 1.622 OPS.
Beck🤝Condon🤝Second Inning pic.twitter.com/m8zf3sZx2c
— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) February 28, 2026
Obviously, Spring Training stats have to be taken with a grain of salt. Condon still has yet to play at the Triple-A level, and more development is never a bad thing. Especially considering the Rockies will be in another rebuilding season next year. But someone has to play at first, and right now Condon is playing like a frontrunner. It will be intriguing to continue watching him as the spring progresses. But Rumfield is right there with him.
TJ Rumfield
On January 28, the Rockies added to their depth at first by taking advantage of their surplus of bullpen arms and trading right-hander Angel Chivilli to the New York Yankees for Rumfield, who was 22nd on the Yankees’ top 30 prospects, per MLB Pipeline. Rumfield is a left-handed option. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 12th round of the 2021 Major League Baseball draft out of Virginia Tech University. Spending the 2025 season with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Over 138 games, he hit .285/.378/.447 with an .825 OPS. Posting 16 home runs and 87 RBI.
He is right there with Condon stats-wise, and both will continue to receive consistent at-bats this spring. Thomas Harding of MLB.com mentioned that “theoretically,” there is a place for left-handed and right-handed first basemen on the Opening Day roster. But neither player is currently on the 40-man roster. Depth spots usually go to veteran players. If Condon or Rumfield do get the first base job, it’s much more advantageous to have the other get consistent, every-day at-bats at Triple-A Albuquerque instead of being on the bench with at-bats every three games with the Rockies.
Although unlike Rumfield, Condon does play in the outfield and has the versatility to play multiple positions. MLB Pipeline actually profiles Condon as best fitted for a corner outfield spot due to his strong arm. Presumably giving Condon a leg up if both remain neck and neck throughout the spring. More than likely, only one of Rumfield or Condon will be on the Opening Day roster. Considering Blaine Crim, and utility players Tyler Freeman and Edouard Julien can provide depth behind whoever wins the first base job. Any of those players could also win the first base job as well. But Crim and Freeman are currently injured, and Julien is playing in the World Baseball Classic for Team Canada.
Which Candidate Will Emerge?
As close as it is, it’s reasonable to expect the first base competition to last the entirety of Spring Training. Barring any unforeseen injuries. Harding also mentioned that Rumfield should be in a good spot if his solid play continues. Pointing to his solid splits last year against both righties and lefties. Alongside his wealth of plate appearances in the minor leagues. But Condon wouldn’t be the first high draft pick to accelerate through the Minor League system and make his debut only a couple of years after being drafted.
Which is why if it remains close and Condon continues to show his impressive power potential this spring, Condon should get the nod over Rumfield. The Rockies’ front office has emphasized versatility across the roster, with many of the current Rockies able to play multiple positions. Condon’s ability to do so will be a boon for his development, as the Rockies can give him consistent at-bats across multiple positions. If he struggles with the bat early, give Rumfield an opportunity and allow Condon to further develop his offense at the Triple-A level.
If Condon excels early and emerges as a true offensive option for the Rockies, suddenly, the Rockies have a very exciting option at first. With another 100+ loss season likely in the cards, giving the fanbase the excitement of seeing Condon on Opening Day would be a fun moment. But ultimately, there are no past seasons in Colorado to look for similar situations with this front office. They have already had a successful initial offseason in Colorado. Doing things a different way than in the past. The decision at first base is one of the next big decisions that now lies in front of them and will be highly anticipated by the Rockies’ fan base.
Main Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images