Rockies Pitcher Dugan Darnell's Unconventional Path to Major League Success

Dugan Darnell's journey to Major League Baseball is a testament to perseverance and determination. At 28, he originated from Adrian College, a Division III institution, where he showcased remarkable talent, posting a 0.39 ERA and striking out 37 batters in 23 relief innings but went undrafted. Undeterred, Darnell played in Summer League and the Independent League, pitching for teams like the East Side Diamond Hoppers and Gary SouthShore RailCats while concurrently working a finance job in Chicago. His standout performances, including a 0.31 ERA with 52 strikeouts in 28.2 innings during 2020, caught the Colorado Rockies' attention, leading to his entry into their minor league system. Progressing through the ranks—Single-A, High-A, Double-A, and Triple-A—Darnell faced challenges but continued to improve, culminating in a stellar 2025 season with a 3.19 ERA and 63 strikeouts over 53.2 innings. His efforts earned him a promotion to the Rockies' MLB roster, making his debut on August 1. Since then, he has appeared in two games, demonstrating his readiness for the big leagues.