Colorado Rockies Claim Former Top Prospect Starting Pitcher Off Waivers
The Colorado Rockies have added another arm to their pitching staff, claiming right-hander Roansy Contreras off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles.
The 25-year-old, once a top prospect with the Pittsburgh Pirates, will report directly to Colorado’s active roster since he is out of minor league options. The move gives the Rockies a live arm to evaluate down the stretch as they search for solutions to MLB’s worst staff ERA.
RHP Roansy Contreras is through 2 1/3 innings of scoreless relief in his #Orioles debut.
— Jake Rill (@JakeDRill) August 27, 2025
The 25-year-old struck out Roman Anthony swinging with this 79 mph curveball to end the top of the 5th: pic.twitter.com/wlNoWytaao
Contreras’ Bumpy Path
Originally signed by the New York Yankees in 2016, Contreras debuted with Pittsburgh in 2021 and showed promise early. But inconsistency and control issues left him bouncing between roles and organizations. In 239 MLB innings, he’s posted a 4.63 ERA with a 19.6% strikeout rate and 10% walk rate. Baltimore recently gave him a shot, and he impressed with 4.1 scoreless innings against the Boston Red Sox before being DFA’d.
Rockies add a former promising starter in 25 y/o Roansy Contreras.
— Blake Street Banter ⚾🌮 (@blakestbanter) September 2, 2025
Career 4.63 ERA with a 19.6 K%. Very small sample but fastball velo averaging just under 97 mph this year. Spins some quality breaking balls as well. https://t.co/iYDacmdDCF
Why the Rockies Made the Move
Colorado owns a league-worst 6.01 ERA, nearly a full run worse than the next team. With Germán Márquez heading to free agency and Austin Gomber released, the Rockies need long-term answers. Contreras offers upside: his mix includes a 96 mph four-seam fastball, sinker, slider, curve, and changeup.
He’s under team control for four more seasons, giving Colorado a chance to see if he can settle in as either a starter or long reliever. Contreras will join a thin Rockies rotation immediately. If he can find consistency at altitude, he could become part of their plans for 2026 and beyond. For now, he’s a no-risk claim for a team desperate to shore up its pitching.
Photo Credit: James A. Pittman-Imagn Images
