Colton Welker
Colton Lawrence Welker is an American professional baseball third baseman who is a free agent. Welker was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the fourth round of the 2016 MLB draft and made his Major League Baseball debut in 2021 for the team.
Professional career
Colorado Rockies
Welker was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the fourth round of the 2016 MLB draft out of Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. He signed with Colorado for $855,000, foregoing his commitment to the University of Miami.Welker spent the 2016 season playing third base with the rookie league Grand Junction Rockies, where he was named both a Pioneer League mid-season All-Star and a Rockies organizational All-Star at the end of the season after batting.329/.366/.491 with five home runs and 36 runs batted in during 51 games. He spent 2017 with the Single–A Asheville Tourists where batted.350 /.401/.500 with six home runs, 33 runs batted ins, and leading the league with three intentional walks in only 67 games due to injury.
In 2018, he played with the High–A Lancaster JetHawks where he slashed.333 /.383/.489 with 74 runs, 32 doubles, 13 home runs, 82 runs batted in, and two intentional walks, while grounding into 14 double plays and leading the league with 11 sacrifice flies in 114 games. He was named a California League mid-season All-Star along with earning a post-season All-Star selection.
Welker spent 2019 with the Double–A Hartford Yard Goats, hitting.252/.313/.408 with 10 home runs, 53 runs batted in, and 6 sacrifice flies, with 54 games at first base.
San Francisco Giants
Welker was claimed off waivers by the San Francisco Giants on July 8, 2022. On November 15, Welker was designated for assignment by the Giants after they protected multiple prospects from the Rule 5 draft. On November 18, Welker was non–tendered by the Giants and became a free agent. He re–signed with the Giants on a minor league contract the following day.Welker spent the 2023 season with the Triple–A Sacramento River Cats, playing in 43 games and hitting.237/.388/.274 with no home runs and 13 RBI. On July 14, 2023, Welker was released by the Giants organization.
York Revolution
On April 8, 2024, Welker signed with the York Revolution of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. However, prior to the start of the season on April 24, he was released by York. On May 11, Welker re–signed with the club. In 57 games for the Revolution, he slashed.347/.430/.621 with 11 home runs and 59 RBI. With York, Welker won the Atlantic League championship. He became a free agent following the season.On October 9, 2024, Welker signed with the Saraperos de Saltillo of the Mexican League. He was released by the Saraperos prior to the start of the season on April 15, 2025.