8. Ben Bowden
Minors (AA, AAA): 51.2 innings, 21 saves, 3.48 ERA, 1.181 WHiP, 24 walks, 79 strikeouts
The Colorado Rockies have struggled to build a lockdown bullpen. Ben Bowden could be a key part of one in the future.
A second round selection in the 2016 MLB Draft, Bowden was considered a possible fast mover. He had a great deal of success as Vanderbilt’s closer that season, and had even started five games as the Commodores showcased their prized pitcher. He certainly appeared capable of advancing rapidly until a bulging disk in his back sidelined him for the 2017 campaign.
Healthy once again, Bowden has gotten back to showing the type of stuff that could make him a closer of the future. The lefty has had his fastball clocked in the upper 90s with excellent late movement. Bowden has a tumbling changeup that he uses well off of his fastball, giving him an excellent combination to keep hitters off balance. He has also been working on a slider, which shows the potential to be another plus pitch.
Given his pure stuff and three pitch arsenal, Bowden would be an intriguing prospect as a starter. However, he has the mentality of a closer – he goes directly after the hitter with a bulldog mentality and impressive tenacity. If his slider can continue to develop, Bowden could be an impact reliever.
Ben Bowden could be a part of the Colorado Rockies bullpen solution. It would not be a surprise to see him get a look at some point in the coming season.