NHS grad Skyler Messinger is Rockies Minor League Player of the Month

Skyler Messinger, a corner infielder for the Fresno Grizzlies of the Class A California League, was named the Colorado Rockies' Minor League Player of the Month for July.

In 22 games during July, Messinger hit .326, with a .414 on base percentage and a .744 slugging percentage. His production included 10 doubles, a triple, eight home runs, 28 RBIs and two stolen bases.

"At the end of May I made a pretty big swing change," Messinger said. "My last year at Texas I hit with a really wide stance and had been hitting like that until the start of June this season. I narrowed my stance drastically and went back to doing a leg kick, something I did earlier in college. It's made a big difference, I felt like it has helped me to be more athletic in the box and see the ball better as well."

Messinger starred at Niwot High School, graduated in 2017, and was drafted by the Chicago Cubs. He accepted a scholarship to play at the University of Kansas for four years, then transferred to the University of Texas for his Covid-bonus year, and earned a trip to the College World Series.

The Rockies drafted him in 2022, and he spent his first pro season in the Rockies' Rookie League. Primarily a third baseman in his pro career, Messinger has seen action at first base as well.

"Playing first has been good," Messinger said. "It's more difficult than most people think. There are a few subtle parts to playing first that you don't think about until you play over there. So it's been a little bit of an adjustment but I'm getting more and more comfortable each time I'm over there."

One of his best performances came as the Grizzlies beat Inland Empire 12-3 on July 26. The team's website described his contributions, saying, "Skyler Messinger led the charge with a career-night, reaching base four times. Messinger crushed two clouts, both three-run shots, giving him 12 homers on the season. He now leads the California League with seven longballs in the month of July."

For the season as of Aug. 18, Messinger leads the California League in RBIs with 72, is third in home runs with 16, ninth in batting average at .280, 11th in on base percentage at .387, third in slugging percentage at .516, and third in OPS at .903.

Messinger has enjoyed minor league ball t so far, "I got lucky to play with a good group of guys and coaches that I really respect and enjoy playing for so that makes a huge difference," he said. "I think the biggest adjustment has just been the schedule and longer season. I wouldn't change it though, I really enjoy playing every day."