Ben Bowden’s destiny was to be the first player from the 2016 draft to hit the big leagues. Supporting that assumption was that the lefty pitcher, selected in the second round of the 2016 draft and given an above slot $1.6 million signing bonus, was assigned directly to Low-A Asheville after the draft. There he threw out of the bullpen exclusively, another marker of a fast mover through the system. Unfortunately, a bulging disc in Bowden’s back got in the way of destiny and kept him from throwing a professional pitch in 2017, allowing 2016 third rounder (and fellow PuRP) Garrett Hampson to grab the honor of first MLB debut from the draft class.
Colorado Rockies prospect rankings: No. 17, Ben Bowden
