Ryan Vilade

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Colorado Rockies #6 prospect in 2022
  Track Record: The Rockies forfeited their first-round pick in 2017 after signing Ian Desmond and made Vilade their first selection when they took him in the second round, No. 48 overall. Vilade cruised through the lower levels of the minors and spent 2020 at the alternate training site before opening 2021 at Triple-A Albuquerque. He put up just middling numbers in the hitter-friendly environment of Albuquerque, but he still earned an invitation to the Futures Game at Coors Field in July and received his first big league callup in September.
  
  Scouting Report: Vilade was drafted for his bat and hasn’t disappointed in that aspect. His smooth, line-drive approach and natural feel for contact has produced a career .289 batting average in the minors. Vilade makes hard contact and has raw power, but he’s hit more than 10 home runs only once in three full seasons. He’ll need to put the ball into the air more in order to become an everyday, big league lineup pillar. Vilade began his career as a shortstop, moved to third base and is now strictly a corner outfielder. He is a below-average defender anywhere on the field, and his reads and routes in the outfield must improve. His average arm projects better in left field rather than right. A solid athlete, Vilade also began playing first base over the past year in an attempt to add to his versatility.
  
  The Future: Vilade’s hitting ability will buy him time to improve his defense. He’ll need to access more power to be an everyday player.
  
• 
  Ranked Colorado Rockies #10 prospect in 2021
  Hitting: 55. Power: 45. Running: 50. Fielding: 40. Arm: 50.
  
  TRACK RECORD: Drafted in the second round in 2017, Vilade was the Rockies’ top pick that year because they lost their first-rounder for signing free agent Ian Desmond. Vilade was drafted for his bat, and he hasn’t disappointed, batting .291/.368/.428 while rising to high Class A, albeit all while playing at hitter-friendly locales.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Vilade is traditionally a slow starter but tends to round into form as the season progresses. He has a flat, impactful swing that makes a lot of contact, and he’s added strength that has pushed his weight up from 200 to 225 pounds. That stands to help his power, though his swing path is more geared for line drives and makes him more of a doubles hitter than a home run threat. He’s always been able to go the other way effectively and has learned when to turn on the inside pitch while still staying up the middle on balls out over the plate. Vilade’s defense is a different story. Despite his average speed, his slow reactions and limited range made him a liability at both shortstop and third base. The Rockies moved him to the outfield to give him another defensive option.
  
  THE FUTURE: Vilade has the tools to hit himself to the big leagues. His defensive progress in the outfield will be key to watch in 2021.
• 
  Ranked Colorado Rockies #8 prospect in 2020
  TRACK RECORD: The Rockies used their top pick in the 2017 draft on Vilade and signed him for just under $1.5 million. The son of a longtime coach, Vilade got off to a slow start before finishing strong at low Class A Asheville in 2018 and did the same at high Class A Lancaster in 2019. After hitting .250 the first two months, Vilade hit .330 from June through the end of the season and was one of just five minor leaguers to finish with double-digits in doubles (27), triples (10) and home runs (12). SCOUTING: Vilade figures to develop more power but already has come to grips with basics of hitting—using the right side of the field, staying in the gaps and focusing on line drives to the middle of the field. He generally makes whatever adjustments he needs to and has the physicality and aptitude to drive the ball consistently and be at least an average hitter with average power. Vilade's challenge remains defense. His range, glove and arm are all below-average at shortstop and questionable even at third base.
  
  THE FUTURE: Vilade was drafted because of his offensive potential and has shown that potential. He needs to find a defensive home, but the Rockies will find him one as long as he keeps hitting.
• 
  Ranked Colorado Rockies #9 prospect in 2019
  Track Record: Vilade was faced with failure on the field for the first time in 2018 and responded impressively. Hitting .209 on May 23 in his first full-season challenge, he was still hitting just .237 on July 9. From that point on, however, he hit .326 and cut his strikeout ratio from one every 3.6 at-bats through July 8 to once every 8.9 at-bats the rest of the season. His father is Oklahoma State assistant coach James Vilade, who has a long history of coaching at the minor league level.
  
  Scouting Report: Don't be deceived by Vilade's total of 10 home runs in his first two pro seasons. He can lift and drive the ball, which was apparent when he won the Under Armor All-America home run derby at Wrigley Field prior to his senior year in high school. The key for Vilade is making adjustments, which he showed in that late-season revival at Asheville. He has the defensive instincts to play shortstop, but there are some who question his range.
  
  The Future: Vilade is going to be given every opportunity to prove he is a shortstop, but given Colorado's approach with minor league players, he will also see time at third base and first base in the team's effort to create depth at multiple positions. His bat profiles a little lower down the lineup, and he could be one of those guys lurking in the No. 6 or No. 7 hole.
• 
  Ranked Colorado Rockies #9 prospect in 2018
  Vilade's father, James, is an assistant coach at Oklahoma State and was a longtime minor league coach. After growing up around the game, Vilade starred on the USA 15U and 18U national teams and won the home run derby at the Under Armor All-America Game at Wrigley Field. He was named the Oklahoma state player of the year as a senior and signed with the Rockies for $1,425,400 after they selected him with the 48th overall pick in the 2017 draft. Vilade's offensive profile is what drives him. He has a strong frame and a quick bat that produces plus raw power, and he already has a knack for driving the ball in games. He makes adjustments quickly for his age and shows advanced instincts in the box. He recognizes and tracks pitches well and draws plenty of walks. Vilade is an average runner and there is some question whether he has the quick-twitch athleticism for shortstop defensively, but believers point to his above-average arm, soft hands and advanced instincts. Vilade will play shortstop for now, but will also see time at third base and first base. It will be his bat that carries him regardless of position. Vilade is set to open his first full season at low Class A Asheville.

Draft Prospects

• Ranked #67 prospect in 2017 draft
  As the son of long-time minor league coach and current Oklahoma State assistant James Vilade, Ryan has grown up around the game, getting tips from future stars like Elvis Andrus when they were moving up through the Rangers farm system. As one might expect, Vilade plays the game with an understanding of situations and instincts that are beyond his years. He didn't always impress last summer--he had a particularly poor Area Code Games--but he's flushed those impressions with a strong run of consistent contact last fall and this spring. He also has a long track record of success with USA Baseball's 15U and 18U national teams and he won the home run derby at the 2016 Under Armour All-America Game. Vilade has plus raw power and he's shown the ability to make adjustments at the plate--he scrapped a significant leg kick to spread out more in his stance. A high school shortstop, Vilade projects as a second or third baseman in pro ball. He has an above-average arm that fits at third and the plus power potential teams look for from the position. He's an average runner for now. Vilade is committed to Oklahoma State to join his father if he doesn't opt to sign with a team out of high school.

Minor League Top Prospects

• 
  Ranked California League #20 prospect in 2019
  Traditionally a slow starter, Vilade scuffled early before catching fire once summer hit. He hit .330/.362/.535 from June 1 through the end of the season. Vilade worked hard with hitting coach Tom Sutaris to be ready and on time in the batter’s box. Once he was, Vilade showed solid bat-to-ball skills, the ability to use the opposite field and growing power. The ball jumps off his bat when he is short and quick and he consistently takes quality at-bats. Vilade also showed a knack for the clutch. "He plays up to the situation,” Rancho Cucamonga manager Mark Kertenian said. "He’s at his best when it matters in the game.” Vilade runs well for his size, but he lacks the quick-twitch athleticism needed for shortstop and is in the early stages of learning to play third base. His above-average arm and advanced instincts give him a chance to be defensively versatile.
• 
  Ranked Pioneer League #6 prospect in 2017
  The son of Oklahoma State assistant coach James Vilade, Ryan has been around the game all his life and it shows in his makeup and instincts. He excelled in his pro debut, which was cut short by a lower back injury in mid-August that also kept him out of instructional league games. Vilade doesn't have flashy tools, but he is a well-rounded player. He's an advanced hitter who uses all fields, with average power and a tick below-average speed. How much his body grows will determine whether he stays at shortstop or moves to third base, but for now he's at least an average defender with good instincts and a plus arm. He's not twitchy in the field but anticipates well and has a good first step. "A really good kid . . . he's learned a lot this year," Grand Junction manager Frank Gonzales said, "and there's a lot of opportunity for growth."

• April, 2022 Scouting Report
  BA Grade: 45/Medium
  
  Track Record: The Rockies forfeited their first-round pick in 2017 after signing Ian Desmond and made Vilade their first selection when they took him in the second round, No. 48 overall. Vilade cruised through the lower levels of the minors and spent 2020 at the alternate training site before opening 2021 at Triple-A Albuquerque. He put up just middling numbers in the hitter-friendly environment of Albuquerque, but he still earned an invitation to the Futures Game at Coors Field in July and received his first big league callup in September.
  
  Scouting Report: Vilade was drafted for his bat and hasn&#39t disappointed in that aspect. His smooth, line-drive approach and natural feel for contact has produced a career .289 batting average in the minors. Vilade makes hard contact and has raw power, but he&#39s hit more than 10 home runs only once in three full seasons. He&#39ll need to put the ball into the air more in order to become an everyday, big league lineup pillar. Vilade began his career as a shortstop, moved to third base and is now strictly a corner outfielder. He is a below-average defender anywhere on the field, and his reads and routes in the outfield must improve. His average arm projects better in left field rather than right. A solid athlete, Vilade also began playing first base over the past year in an attempt to add to his versatility.
  
  The Future: Vilade&#39s hitting ability will buy him time to improve his defense. He&#39ll need to access more power to be an everyday player.
  
  Scouting Grades: Hit: 55. Power: 40. Speed: 45. Fielding: 40. Arm: 50.
• December, 2021 Scouting Report
  Track Record: The Rockies forfeited their first-round pick in 2017 after signing Ian Desmond and made Vilade their first selection when they took him in the second round, No. 48 overall. Vilade cruised through the lower levels of the minors and spent 2020 at the alternate training site before opening 2021 at Triple-A Albuquerque. He put up just middling numbers in the hitter-friendly environment of Albuquerque, but he still earned an invitation to the Futures Game at Coors Field in July and received his first big league callup in September.
  
  Scouting Report: Vilade was drafted for his bat and hasn’t disappointed in that aspect. His smooth, line-drive approach and natural feel for contact has produced a career .289 batting average in the minors. Vilade makes hard contact and has raw power, but he’s hit more than 10 home runs only once in three full seasons. He’ll need to put the ball into the air more in order to become an everyday, big league lineup pillar. Vilade began his career as a shortstop, moved to third base and is now strictly a corner outfielder. He is a below-average defender anywhere on the field, and his reads and routes in the outfield must improve. His average arm projects better in left field rather than right. A solid athlete, Vilade also began playing first base over the past year in an attempt to add to his versatility.
  
  The Future: Vilade’s hitting ability will buy him time to improve his defense. He’ll need to access more power to be an everyday player.
  
• July, 2021 Scouting Report
  Hitting: 55. Power: 45. Running: 50. Fielding: 40. Arm: 50.
  
  TRACK RECORD: Drafted in the second round in 2017, Vilade was the Rockies' top pick that year because they lost their first-rounder for signing free agent Ian Desmond. Vilade was drafted for his bat, and he hasn't disappointed, batting .291/.368/.428 while rising to high Class A, albeit all while playing at hitter-friendly locales.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Vilade is traditionally a slow starter but tends to round into form as the season progresses. He has a flat, impactful swing that makes a lot of contact, and he's added strength that has pushed his weight up from 200 to 225 pounds. That stands to help his power, though his swing path is more geared for line drives and makes him more of a doubles hitter than a home run threat. He's always been able to go the other way effectively and has learned when to turn on the inside pitch while still staying up the middle on balls out over the plate. Vilade's defense is a different story. Despite his average speed, his slow reactions and limited range made him a liability at both shortstop and third base. The Rockies moved him to the outfield to give him another defensive option.
  
  THE FUTURE: Vilade has the tools to hit himself to the big leagues. His defensive progress in the outfield will be key to watch in 2021.
• March, 2021 Scouting Report
  Hitting: 55. Power: 45. Running: 50. Fielding: 40. Arm: 50.
  
  TRACK RECORD: Drafted in the second round in 2017, Vilade was the Rockies’ top pick that year because they lost their first-rounder for signing free agent Ian Desmond. Vilade was drafted for his bat, and he hasn’t disappointed, batting .291/.368/.428 while rising to high Class A, albeit all while playing at hitter-friendly locales.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Vilade is traditionally a slow starter but tends to round into form as the season progresses. He has a flat, impactful swing that makes a lot of contact, and he’s added strength that has pushed his weight up from 200 to 225 pounds. That stands to help his power, though his swing path is more geared for line drives and makes him more of a doubles hitter than a home run threat. He’s always been able to go the other way effectively and has learned when to turn on the inside pitch while still staying up the middle on balls out over the plate. Vilade’s defense is a different story. Despite his average speed, his slow reactions and limited range made him a liability at both shortstop and third base. The Rockies moved him to the outfield to give him another defensive option.
  
  THE FUTURE: Vilade has the tools to hit himself to the big leagues. His defensive progress in the outfield will be key to watch in 2021.
• December, 2020 Scouting Report
  Hitting: 55. Power: 45. Running: 50. Fielding: 40. Arm: 50.
  
  TRACK RECORD: Drafted in the second round in 2017, Vilade was the Rockies’ top pick that year because they lost their first-rounder for signing free agent Ian Desmond. Vilade was drafted for his bat, and he hasn’t disappointed, batting .291/.368/.428 while rising to high Class A, albeit all while playing at hitter-friendly locales.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Vilade is traditionally a slow starter but tends to round into form as the season progresses. He has a flat, impactful swing that makes a lot of contact, and he’s added strength that has pushed his weight up from 200 to 225 pounds. That stands to help his power, though his swing path is more geared for line drives and makes him more of a doubles hitter than a home run threat. He’s always been able to go the other way effectively and has learned when to turn on the inside pitch while still staying up the middle on balls out over the plate. Vilade’s defense is a different story. Despite his average speed, his slow reactions and limited range made him a liability at both shortstop and third base. The Rockies moved him to the outfield to give him another defensive option.
  
  THE FUTURE: Vilade has the tools to hit himself to the big leagues. His defensive progress in the outfield will be key to watch in 2021.
• July, 2020 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: The Rockies used their top pick in the 2017 draft on Vilade and signed him for just under $1.5 million. The son of a longtime coach, Vilade got off to a slow start before finishing strong at low Class A Asheville in 2018 and did the same at high Class A Lancaster in 2019. After hitting .250 the first two months, Vilade hit .330 from June through the end of the season and was one of just five minor leaguers to finish with double-digits in doubles (27), triples (10) and home runs (12). SCOUTING: Vilade figures to develop more power but already has come to grips with basics of hitting—using the right side of the field, staying in the gaps and focusing on line drives to the middle of the field. He generally makes whatever adjustments he needs to and has the physicality and aptitude to drive the ball consistently and be at least an average hitter with average power. Vilade’s challenge remains defense. His range, glove and arm are all below-average at shortstop and questionable even at third base.
  
  THE FUTURE: Vilade was drafted because of his offensive potential and has shown that potential. He needs to find a defensive home, but the Rockies will find him one as long as he keeps hitting.
• February, 2020 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: The Rockies used their top pick in the 2017 draft on Vilade and signed him for just under $1.5 million. The son of a longtime coach, Vilade got off to a slow start before finishing strong at low Class A Asheville in 2018 and did the same at high Class A Lancaster in 2019. After hitting .250 the first two months, Vilade hit .330 from June through the end of the season and was one of just five minor leaguers to finish with double-digits in doubles (27), triples (10) and home runs (12). SCOUTING: Vilade figures to develop more power but already has come to grips with basics of hitting—using the right side of the field, staying in the gaps and focusing on line drives to the middle of the field. He generally makes whatever adjustments he needs to and has the physicality and aptitude to drive the ball consistently and be at least an average hitter with average power. Vilade's challenge remains defense. His range, glove and arm are all below-average at shortstop and questionable even at third base.
  
  THE FUTURE: Vilade was drafted because of his offensive potential and has shown that potential. He needs to find a defensive home, but the Rockies will find him one as long as he keeps hitting.
• December, 2018 Scouting Report
  Traditionally a slow starter, Vilade scuffled early before catching fire once summer hit. He hit .330/.362/.535 from June 1 through the end of the season. Vilade worked hard with hitting coach Tom Sutaris to be ready and on time in the batter’s box. Once he was, Vilade showed solid bat-to-ball skills, the ability to use the opposite field and growing power. The ball jumps off his bat when he is short and quick and he consistently takes quality at-bats. Vilade also showed a knack for the clutch. "He plays up to the situation,” Rancho Cucamonga manager Mark Kertenian said. "He’s at his best when it matters in the game.” Vilade runs well for his size, but he lacks the quick-twitch athleticism needed for shortstop and is in the early stages of learning to play third base. His above-average arm and advanced instincts give him a chance to be defensively versatile.
• December, 2017 Scouting Report
  Track Record: Vilade's father James is an assistant coach at Oklahoma State and was a longtime minor league coach. After growing up around the game, Vilade starred on the USA 15U and 18U national teams and won the home run derby at the Under Armor All-America Game at Wrigley Field. He was named the Oklahoma state player of the year as a senior and signed with the Rockies for $1,425,400 after they selected him 48th overall in the 2017 draft. Scouting Report: Vilade's offensive profile is what drives him. He has a strong frame and a quick bat that produces plus raw power, and he already has a knack for driving the ball in games. He makes adjustments quickly for his age and shows advanced instincts in the box. He recognizes and tracks pitches well and draws plenty of walks. Vilade is an average runner and there is some question whether he has the quick-twitch athleticism for shortstop defensively, but believers point to his above-average arm, soft hands and advanced instincts. The Future: Vilade will play shortstop for now, but will also see time at third base and first base. It will be his bat that carries him regardless of position. Vilade is set to open his first full season at low Class A Asheville.