Welcome to the 2025 edition of Ranking the Rockies, where we take a look back at every player to log playing time for the Rockies in 2025. The purpose of this list is to provide a snapshot of the player in context. The \u201cRanking\u201d is an organizing principle that\u2019s drawn from Baseball Reference\u2019s WAR (rWAR). It\u2019s not something the staff debated. We\u2019ll begin with the player with the lowest rWAR and end up with the player with the highest.<\/p>\n
No. 32, Braxton Fulford (-0.2 rWAR)<\/p>\n
In 2025, catcher Braxton Fulford was given an opportunity to show what he could do.<\/p>\n
Advertisement<\/p>\n
Drafted in the sixth round of the 2021 MLB Draft from Texas Tech University, Fulford made it all the way up to Triple-A in 2023 (just for three games), but then went back to Double-A in 2024.<\/p>\n
He started 2025 in Triple-A again, and made his MLB debut on April 16 at Dodger Stadium. In his debut, Fulford went a forgettable 0-for-4 with four strikeouts. But he notched his first MLB hit \u2014 a solo home run \u2014 a few weeks later on April 20 in the first game of a doubleheader against the Washington Nationals. After starting his MLB career going 1-for-8 with five strikeouts, Fulford was optioned back to Albuquerque until June.<\/p>\n
Upon his return, Fulford had an up-and-down June, going 9-for-32 with two doubles, a triple, three runs scored, 10 RBIs, a walk and 13 strikeouts. Five of those RBIs came against the Atlanta Braves on Father\u2019s Day, June 15.<\/p>\n
\u201cI had a couple games where I\u2019ve had 3-4-5 RBIs,\u201d Fulford said in September.<\/p>\n
Advertisement<\/p>\n
\u201cI think those are probably the highlights when you contribute that many RBIs and your team wins, especially in the big leagues. It\u2019s all about winning. I played a game in Atlanta, and we won, like, 10-1 and I had five RBIs. I think my family was there, too, and it was Father\u2019s Day. So I think that was probably my highlight.\u201d<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, that one standout performance was not enough to keep Fulford on the MLB roster, and he was optioned again on July 1.<\/p>\n
He was recalled for the final time on August 3, and slashed just .191\/.269\/.265 over 24 games with three doubles, a triple, seven runs scored, five RBI, six walks and 18 strikeouts. In total, over 37 games in 2025, Fulford struck out 30% of the time and walked 5.8% of the time.<\/p>\n
\u201c[There were] a lot of learning moments, a lot of firsts, a lot of good moments,\u201d Fulford said of his rookie season.<\/p>\n
Advertisement<\/p>\n
\u201cEarly on, I think I put a lot more pressure on myself than I needed to. I think I\u2019ve realized it\u2019s the same game. The level of talent is a level of talent that I\u2019ve played against before, it\u2019s just a lot more consistent here. So just understanding that it\u2019s the same game \u2013 and I had all the tools to succeed \u2013 and just going out there and playing my game.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fulford said he worked on making some mental adjustments throughout the season, \u201cjust allowing myself to be aggressive and allowing myself to play free.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not worrying about making mistakes or trying to be too perfect,\u201d he continued. \u201cand not being afraid to fail, and going out there and playing hard regardless of what happens.\u201d<\/p>\n
He also relied heavily on veterans throughout his first year, especially the two Kyles.<\/p>\n
Advertisement<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve had a few conversations with [Kyle] Freeland, and picked Kyle Farmer\u2019s brain for sure,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor example, in the cage yesterday (September 13), I was talking to Farmer, asking him how he stays ready not playing every day. So he\u2019s given me a few tips about his routine and what he does consistently every day that allows him to be ready, which I think is helpful.\u201d<\/p>\n