Colorado Rockies prospect Zac Veen is showing remarkable progress this spring, driven by a significant personal transformation that includes overcoming substance abuse. At 24 years old, Veen has made major lifestyle adjustments, including gaining over 40 pounds and committing to sobriety, which have both contributed to his improved performance during spring training.
Overcoming Off-Field Struggles to Rebuild His Career
While Veen’s physical growth from approximately 200 to 245 pounds is impressive, his most important change has come outside the gym. He candidly shared his battles with substance abuse during recent interviews, revealing how his addiction had escalated over past years and affected his career trajectory. Veen admitted that his struggles led to an inconsistent professional career, culminating in a difficult Major League debut last season.
“Definitely one of the bigger, main things was sobering up,”
Veen told MLB.com.
“There were times last year where it was out of hand. Coming home in the offseason, I had to look in the mirror and make some adjustments. And I definitely got closer to God, and it made me want to be the best version of myself in every aspect.”
Selected ninth overall by Colorado in 2020 and ranked as the Rockies’ No. 11 prospect by MLB Pipeline, Veen’s struggles affected his on-field performance. After a challenging five years in the minors, his brief MLB debut saw him hitting just .118/.189/.235 across 37 plate appearances, leading to a demotion to the Arizona Complex League.
The Role of Sobriety and Support in Veen’s Renewal
Reflecting on those struggles, Veen acknowledged that his lifestyle off the field, including substance use, largely contributed to his setbacks. He described his previous habits openly:
“A lot of my meals were smoke — and things that shouldn’t have been,”
he said.
“I was smoking weed every day. If I couldn’t find any weed, I was drinking every single day. I’d say ever since I got home in 2021 after my first season, it was a consecutive streak of not being sober. Being able to cut that out of my lifestyle and replace that with protein is very beneficial to the genes God gave me.”
Since committing to sobriety, Veen has also immersed himself in faith-based activities, including church attendance, Bible studies, and baptism, which he credits with strengthening his resolve to improve. He also completed an 11-week rehabilitation program aimed at people recovering from substance abuse.
“It was a collaborative thing – I can’t thank them enough,”
Veen said, referring to his high school coach Johnny Goodrich and Rockies development director Chris Forbes.
“I participated in an 11-week program with substance abusers and alcoholics – people wanting to better themselves. I started going to church. I got baptized, went to Bible study every Wednesday.”
Spring Training Success Highlights Veen’s Potential Impact
Early this spring, Veen’s dedication has translated into compelling on-field performances. He has collected three hits in 11 at-bats, hitting two dramatic, game-winning home runs. On Monday, he launched a 468-foot homer traveling at 113 mph to center field, securing a walk-off victory for the Rockies. Remarkably, he repeated this feat on Friday with another walk-off shot stretching 447 feet.
Despite a tough path through the minors and a rocky MLB start, these moments underscore Veen’s emerging talent and determination. While he faces stiff competition for a spot on the Rockies’ Opening Day roster, his current form makes a strong case for inclusion.
What Lies Ahead for Veen and the Rockies
Zac Veen’s journey demonstrates how off-field changes can significantly influence athletic success, and his sobriety transformation may become a crucial turning point in his career. If he maintains this upward trajectory, he could evolve into a dependable contributor for the Rockies, adding depth to their lineup and inspiring others facing similar challenges.
As spring training continues, Veen’s progress will remain under close watch, and his story could serve as a powerful example of perseverance and redemption in professional sports.
ZAC VEEN MIGHT BE A PROBLEM pic.twitter.com/dFobz8Js26
— Codify (@CodifyBaseball) February 27, 2026
