Evan Justice is a left-handed relief pitcher in the Colorado Rockies organization, quietly making a name for himself since the 2021 draft. Born July 7, 1998, in Richmond, Virginia, the Rockies picked him in the fifth round (140th overall) after he wrapped up his college days at NC State.
Justice signed a one-year contract with the Rockies as he keeps working on his game in their minor league system.
At 26, Justice stands 6’4″ and weighs in at 205 pounds—pretty much the modern reliever’s build. Scouts definitely notice that. He’s been following the usual college-draftee path, grinding through the Rockies’ farm teams, hoping to make his big league dream real.
His contract isn’t exactly headline-grabbing compared to MLB vets, but it fits where he’s at: a prospect with potential who’s still developing.
You can track Justice’s progress through his minor league stats as he sharpens his pitching arsenal. His lefty delivery gives him extra value, since teams always want effective southpaw relievers.
As he moves up, Rockies fans and baseball folks in general keep an eye out. Will this young reliever break through to the highest level? We’ll see.
Early Life and Academic Background
Justice’s journey to pro baseball started in Richmond, Virginia, and took shape at North Carolina State University. He balanced sports and school, which isn’t always easy.
Family and Upbringing
Born July 7, 1998, Justice grew up in Richmond, where baseball is more than just a pastime. There’s not a ton of public info about his family, but the city’s strong baseball community played a role in his early interest.
Growing up in Richmond probably nudged him toward becoming a lefty pitcher—something that eventually defined his style. The local leagues and school programs in Virginia help a lot of kids develop their game early on.
Those Richmond years gave Justice the work ethic and drive he’d need to chase bigger goals.
Education and Athletic Involvement
Justice headed to NC State for college, juggling classes with baseball. He became a standout relief pitcher for the Wolfpack.
His time at NC State really put him on scouts’ radar. As a lefty in the bullpen, he proved himself reliable.
In 2021, his college career peaked when the Rockies grabbed him in the fifth round (140th overall). That pick showed he’d managed to balance school and high-level baseball.
Academic Research and Interests
While at NC State, Justice probably explored academic interests alongside baseball, though details about his major aren’t public. Like most student-athletes, he had to juggle tough practice schedules with coursework.
NC State offers strong majors in engineering, business, and sports management, which attract a lot of athletes looking ahead.
Justice needed to keep his grades up to stay eligible, which meant learning to manage his time between classes and the field. That skill set comes in handy in pro baseball, where discipline is everything.
Professional Baseball Career
Justice’s pro career started taking shape after the Rockies drafted him in 2021. His left-handed pitching helped him move up the minor league ranks, though it hasn’t always been a straight path.
Career Beginnings and Minor Leagues
The Rockies selected Justice in the fifth round (140th overall) in 2021. At 6’4″ and 205 pounds, he brought solid physical tools into the pros.
Justice jumped into minor league ball right after signing. He’s followed a typical development path through the Rockies’ farm system, working on his mechanics and consistency.
Transitioning from college to pro ball meant facing tougher competition and a busier schedule. Minor league life isn’t glamorous—players deal with a lot of travel and more experienced hitters.
Major League Debut and Competition
As of May 2025, Justice is still chasing his MLB debut with the Rockies. His progress in the farm system puts him in the conversation for a call-up, but it depends on performance and what the team needs.
Competition for bullpen spots is always tough. Lefty relievers like Justice usually fill specialized roles, so their development path looks different from starters or position players.
Justice competes with both established big leaguers and other prospects in the Rockies’ system. Bullpen roles can shift fast, so relievers need to stay sharp if they want that promotion.
Career Highlights and Awards
Justice has shown flashes of what made him a fifth-round pick. His NC State background laid the groundwork for his pro development.
He’s made steady progress, focusing on pitch command and adding new weapons. Teams really value effective lefty relievers, so if he keeps developing, he’s got a shot.
Born on July 7, 1998, in Richmond, Virginia, Justice still has youth on his side. The Rockies have been patient, seeing his potential as a future bullpen piece.
Risks and Challenges in Professional Sports
Justice, like a lot of minor leaguers, faces the challenge of staying healthy while getting more consistent. Pitchers deal with a lot of injury risks, especially arm troubles that can end careers early.
Money is another big challenge. Even though Justice signed a contract with the Rockies, minor league pay is pretty low compared to the majors. That can create financial stress during the years spent developing.
He’s also up against constant competition. Teams bring in new talent every year through the draft and international signings, so Justice has to keep proving himself. If he stalls or gets hurt, his window to reach the majors could close fast.
The mental grind is real, too. Long seasons, endless travel, and the pressure to perform test players’ resilience as much as their bodies.
Contract Details and Employment
Justice’s career with the Rockies comes with specific contract terms and employment details. Moving through the minors in hopes of making the big league roster brings its own financial considerations and professional expectations.
Current Contract Overview
Justice signed a one-year contract with the Rockies. As a fifth-round pick in 2021 out of NC State, his initial deal reflects his status as a developing player.
His contract doesn’t list a signing bonus, at least publicly. Playing for the Albuquerque Isotopes (the Rockies’ Triple-A team), Justice earns the standard minor league salary for his level.
The Rockies hold standard team control, which means they decide where Justice plays as he develops. That’s pretty typical for young prospects.
Earnings, Bonuses, and Incentives
Justice’s pay follows the usual minor league scale, which depends on level and experience. Triple-A players like Justice get more than lower-level guys, but it’s still a far cry from MLB pay.
His contract might include bonuses for things like:
- Number of appearances
- ERA milestones
- Getting called up to MLB
- Awards or special recognition
These incentives reward progress and performance, but also help the team manage costs. If Justice joins the Rockies’ MLB roster, his salary would jump to the big league minimum.
When the Rockies select his contract, it shows they see value in him as a bullpen option, which could open up better earning opportunities.
Termination and Civil Action
Like most pro baseball deals, Justice’s contract spells out when the team can let him go. That could be for:
- Performance issues
- Breaking team rules
- Medical problems that affect play
- Roster changes
The MLB collective bargaining agreement covers how termination works, and Justice gets some protections. Minor leaguers have different grievance rights than MLB vets, but there’s still a process.
Standard contracts also steer disputes toward baseball’s own arbitration system, not regular courts. It’s a pretty specialized setup.
Employment Rights and Fiduciary Duties
Justice works under employment rules unique to pro baseball. Minor leaguers don’t have the same protections as MLB players, but there are still some workplace standards.
He’s expected to:
- Stay in shape
- Follow team rules
- Act professionally
- Stick to baseball’s code of conduct
The Rockies decide where Justice plays, moving him between affiliates like the Albuquerque Isotopes as needed. That’s just part of the deal in baseball.
Justice has to balance his own career goals with what the team wants, which makes his job a lot different from most regular jobs.
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