Charlie Condon discusses his record-tying $9.25 million deal with the Rockies, a move he believes will propel his career to greater heights.
Condon’s Journey So Far
Initially considering Division III options, Condon was eventually offered a spot on the team by former Georgia coach Scott Stricklin, without a scholarship. Despite this, the Marietta native made it work as a walk-on.
Due to his slim build, Condon did not see action as a true freshman as Georgia coaches prioritized his muscle development.
As a redshirt freshman, Condon had a remarkable debut season, boasting a .386/.484/.800 slash line, 25 home runs, and 67 RBIs. He continued his impressive performance in 2023 and had a standout season in 2024.
Condon was honored with the 2024 Dick Howser Trophy, SEC Player of the Year accolades, and was named a consensus All-American and the Golden Spikes Award winner. He led Division I in batting average (.433), home runs (37), OPS (1.565), and total bases (233), and at one point hit a home run in eight consecutive games, just one shy of tying the NCAA record.
By signing his contract, Condon has already made history with his reported $9.25 million signing bonus, matching the largest in MLB Draft history. In a recent interview, he downplayed the monetary aspect and instead focused on the opportunity ahead.
He stated: “For me, it’s about hearing my name called and knowing that my career was progressing to the next level. I’m thrilled about facing better competition. I’m not fixated on the financial side. If that comes with it, great. But I’m here because I love baseball, I love improving, and I cherish the relationships the game has brought me. The money is a nice perk, but not my main motivation.”
Condon’s Interview
Condon reflects on his emotions after signing with the Rockies and his aspirations for his time with the team. He expressed: “I was incredibly excited and happy to be linked with the Rockies organization. They have a strong track record of developing hitters. I’m honored to be part of the Rockies.
“As for expectations, it’s not anything outlandish. External expectations may shift based on my performance, but my personal standards will always be higher than others’. What truly matters is showing up and earning victories daily.
“The beauty of baseball lies in the fact that it’s a gradual process of improvement. There’s no singular moment where everything changes, which is what makes baseball so special. I knew there was still much room for growth in the game. My mindset remains focused on continuous improvement.”
