Colton Welker has largely followed the Nolan Arenado prospect development path to date. Both players were high school shortstops that were converted immediately to third base after getting drafted (Arenado in the 2nd round, Welker in the 4th). Both players moved up the minor league ladder a year at a time (well, until 2020), posting excellent lines in Asheville and more pedestrian numbers elsewhere (but still above average as one of the youngest in each league they played in).
Pre-season 2020 Rank: 3
High Ballot: 1 (1)
Mode Ballot: 4, 6
Future Value: 45, below average regular corner infielder
Contract Status: 2016 4th Round, 40 man roster, three options remaining
Arenado played in the Arizona Fall League after High-A in 2011 (Welker’s tour there was after Double-A in 2019) and he was much more successful (winning the MVP), but both prospects exited the Double-A level with question marks about whether their skill sets would transfer to success at the big league level.