The Colorado Rockies dreamed of Riley Pint as the pitcher that could make Coors Field’s difficult pitching environment a moot point.
The big right-hander was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2016 MLB Draft, capable of throwing as hard as pretty much anyone in the sport.
And then it just didn’t happen. Pint didn’t pan out.
Over and over, the Rockies gave him chances at various levels in the minor leagues, and even a few times in the majors, and it just didn’t happen for Pint.
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Now, he’s finally moved on. He has signed a contract with the San Diego Padres after a Driveline showcase day, and he’ll hope the change of scenery to elsewhere in the NL West does him well.
Congratulations to Riley Pint on signing with the San Diego @Padres 👏
The former 4th overall pick impressed at Pro Day with the heater up to 97.4, 95-96 sinker mixed in, and showed quality feel for both the sweep and slider. pic.twitter.com/JQpsBjtfam
— Driveline Baseball (@DrivelineBB) January 31, 2026
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Pint didn’t pitch at all in 2025, and this is his opportunity to make something of a baseball career that so far has included a 5.30 ERA in the minor leagues and nine runs allowed in just 3.2 career MLB innings between 2023 and 2024 with the Rockies.
Colorado clearly would prefer Pint not develop into anything too great with the Padres, but there’d also be something at least a little relieving if that happened.
If Pint becomes useful in San Diego, it’ll validate that long ago decision by the Rockies to draft him. It just won’t be of much help to Colorado.
