Rockies Sign Drew Avans to Minor-League Deal Ahead of 2026

The Colorado Rockies have added another layer of depth to their outfield. They signed speedy outfielder Drew Avans to a minor league contract heading into the 2026 season.

Avans, a versatile player with MLB experience and a proven knack for stealing bases, just wrapped up a season split between two organizations — the Oakland Athletics and the Milwaukee Brewers. His big league time was brief, but the Rockies seem to like his speed, defensive chops, and work ethic as they look for more roster depth.

Rockies Invest in Speed and Depth

For Colorado, this signing isn’t just about numbers in the box score. They want a player with a specialized skill set.

Avans brings elite speed on the bases and solid outfield defense. He’s got tools that can change late-game dynamics, and his ability to disrupt pitchers and pressure defenses is something Colorado hopes to tap into, especially with all that ground to cover at Coors Field.

Avans’ Journey Through the Big Leagues

Avans’ path to Colorado hasn’t been straightforward. The Los Angeles Dodgers drafted him in the 33rd round in 2018.

He climbed through their system, reaching Double-A by 2019 and Triple-A by 2021. Over the years, he kept racking up stolen bases — he even posted back-to-back 40-steal seasons in 2022 and 2025, keeping scouts interested.

In 2025, Avans finally got his first major league shot with the Oakland Athletics. He debuted in May, collecting two hits in 15 at-bats over seven games.

After Oakland designated him for assignment in June, he landed in Milwaukee. There, he appeared in just one game before heading to Triple-A Nashville.

Triple-A Success Leads to Opportunity

Before his MLB debut, Avans had a strong run with Triple-A Las Vegas. He posted a .328 batting average, a .414 on-base percentage, and a .444 slugging percentage.

He also showed better plate discipline, dropping his strikeout rate to 14%. That early-season surge gave Oakland a reason to call him up.

Challenges at the Next Level

After moving to Milwaukee’s system, Avans saw his strikeout rate jump to 24.3% at Triple-A Nashville. Facing tougher pitching made it tough to keep up his elite contact numbers.

Still, he kept stealing bases and showed that his defense could hold up.

Why Avans Fits Colorado’s Plans

Avans’ signing lines up with what the Rockies want — players who can help in specific ways. Coors Field puts a premium on outfield range, and Avans’ speed could give them a late-game edge.

His baserunning makes him a threat to turn a walk or single into a scoring chance. That’s never a bad thing to have on the bench.

Potential Roles for Avans

Offensively, Avans has usually hovered around league average. But there are a few ways he could help Colorado in 2026:

• Pinch-running specialist for high-leverage late-game moments.
• Defensive replacement in the outfield, especially at Coors Field.
• Depth option if injuries hit the outfield.
• Mentorship presence for younger players in the Rockies’ system.

Looking Ahead

The road back to the majors is never guaranteed. Still, Avans’ speed, defense, and perseverance give him a shot.

The Rockies’ coaching staff will probably focus on his contact rates and plate discipline, hoping to build on what he showed in Las Vegas last year.

What This Means for Rockies Fans

Drew Avans might not make headlines, but Rockies fans could get used to seeing his name. Players like him often find ways to matter in tight games.

If Avans adjusts to Colorado’s offense and keeps causing chaos on the bases, maybe his minor league deal becomes something more. Sometimes, it’s those low-key signings that end up making a difference.

By bringing in Avans, the Rockies are hoping speed and grit can actually swing a few games their way. Will it work out? Guess we’ll see soon enough.

 
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