Ryan Rolison Bio
Ryan Perry Rolison (born July 11, 1997) is an American professional baseball pitcher currently in Major League Baseball (MLB). A left-handed starter who has also worked in relief, Rolison is recognized for a patient climb through the minor leagues that included a first-round selection, multiple injury setbacks, and a major league debut in 2025. He has pitched in the big leagues for the Colorado Rockies and the Chicago Cubs, with his most recent organization being the Cubs after a series of post-2025 transactions.
Born and raised in Tennessee, Rolison built his reputation as a polished high school prospect before starring at the University of Mississippi. Across his professional career, he has been described as a strike-throwing lefty whose development has been shaped as much by perseverance through injuries as by his on-field accomplishments.
Early Life and Background
Ryan Perry Rolison was born on July 11, 1997, in Jackson, Tennessee. He grew up in the Jackson area and attended University School of Jackson, where he graduated and became one of the most decorated high school pitchers in the state. As a junior, he posted a 0.74 earned run average (ERA) with 104 strikeouts, establishing himself as a high-end prospect in Tennessee’s high school ranks.
As a senior at University School of Jackson, Rolison went 9–0 in nine starts, striking out 108 batters in 58 innings while allowing only three runs and ten hits. That performance earned him the title of Tennessee’s DII-A Mr. Baseball. His success drew professional interest, and he was selected by the San Diego Padres in the 37th round of the 2016 Major League Baseball draft. Rolison did not sign with San Diego, choosing instead to honor his college commitment.
Path to Professional Baseball
After his senior year, Rolison enrolled at the University of Mississippi, where he played college baseball for the Ole Miss Rebels. As a freshman in 2017, he opened the year in the bullpen before earning a spot in the starting rotation. In 19 appearances, including 10 starts, he went 6–3 with a 3.06 ERA and limited opposing hitters to a .242 batting average. His freshman performance earned him a spot on the Southeastern Conference (SEC) All-Freshman team and freshman All-American honors.
Following his freshman season, Rolison pitched for the Orleans Firebirds of the Cape Cod Baseball League, a well-known summer showcase for top college players. He went 4–0 with a 1.92 ERA and was named a league all-star, reinforcing his status as one of the top college pitchers in the country. He entered his sophomore year as a First Team Preseason All-American, and in 2018 he went 10–4 over 17 appearances with a 3.70 ERA and 120 strikeouts, cementing his place as a first-round talent.
Ryan Rolison Career
Early Career (2018–2019)
The Colorado Rockies selected Rolison in the first round of the 2018 MLB draft, using the 22nd overall pick. He signed with the Rockies for a $2.9 million signing bonus and was assigned to the Grand Junction Rockies of the Rookie-level Pioneer League. In nine starts, he went 0–1 with a 1.86 ERA and a 0.79 WHIP, a strong introduction to professional baseball.
Rolison began 2019 with the Asheville Tourists of the Single-A South Atlantic League. After going 2–1 with a 0.69 ERA and 14 strikeouts in 14⅔ innings, he was promoted to the Lancaster JetHawks of the High-A California League. With Lancaster, he was selected to the California League All-Star Game as a member of the South Division team. Over 22 starts for the JetHawks, he went 6–7 with a 4.87 ERA and 118 strikeouts in 116⅓ innings, ending his first full professional season with valuable high-level experience.
Colorado Rockies (2020–2025)
Rolison did not play an official game in 2020 after the minor league season was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. He returned in 2021, opening the year with the Hartford Yard Goats of Double-A Northeast. After going 2–1 with a 3.07 ERA in three starts, he was promoted to the Albuquerque Isotopes of Triple-A West. On June 14, 2021, he was placed on the injured list after having his appendix removed, and he later broke a bone in his left hand while fielding balls, delaying his return until later that summer. He finished the year with a 2–2 record and a 5.91 ERA over ten starts for the Isotopes, and he also played in the Dominican Professional Baseball League for the Tigres del Licey.
On November 19, 2021, the Rockies added Rolison to their 40-man roster. Shoulder problems defined his next two seasons. He opened 2022 on the injured list and underwent surgery in June, missing the entire year. He began 2023 on the 60-day injured list, rehabbed with the Single-A Fresno Grizzlies, and was activated on May 29, only to return to the injured list in June and the 60-day list in July. On October 20, 2023, he was removed from the 40-man roster and sent outright to Triple-A Albuquerque. In 2024, he worked primarily out of the bullpen across three affiliates, going 2–3 with a 4.47 ERA and 35 strikeouts in 46⅓ innings.
Rolison returned to a starting role in 2025 with Albuquerque, going 3–1 with a 3.72 ERA and 23 strikeouts across his first 12 games. On May 11, 2025, he was selected to the 40-man roster and promoted to the major leagues for the first time. On August 16, 2025, he recorded his first career win, tossing a scoreless inning of relief against the Arizona Diamondbacks. He made 31 appearances for the Rockies during his rookie campaign, finishing with a 7.02 ERA and 25 strikeouts across 42⅓ innings. On November 18, 2025, Rolison was designated for assignment by Colorado.
Chicago Cubs Era (2025–Present)
On November 19, 2025, Rolison was traded to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for cash. He was designated for assignment by the Braves following the signing of Robert Suárez on December 11, and the next day he was claimed off waivers by the Chicago White Sox. The White Sox designated him for assignment on December 23 after the signing of Sean Newcomb, and on January 7, 2026, the Chicago Cubs claimed him off waivers.
Rolison was optioned to the Triple-A Iowa Cubs to begin the 2026 regular season. He was promoted to the Cubs and made his regular season debut on April 14, 2026, throwing one shutout inning in a 10–4 win over the Philadelphia Phillies. Through games of June 20, 2026, he had posted a 6–1 record with a 5.01 ERA and 52 strikeouts, providing length and versatility out of the Chicago bullpen.
Notable Events and Milestones
Rolison’s signature early moment came on August 16, 2025, when he earned his first major league win with a scoreless inning of relief against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Earlier in his career, he represented the United States at the 2015 U-18 Baseball World Cup in Osaka, where the team won a medal. He was also the 22nd overall pick in the 2018 MLB draft, giving him top-tier prospect credentials that he has slowly translated into a major league role.
Ryan Rolison Career Wins
Rolison’s major league win column grew quickly after his 2025 debut, with his first MLB victory coming in relief against Arizona and additional wins following after he joined the Chicago Cubs. His minor league résumé features standout stretches, including a 4–0 summer with the Orleans Firebirds and a 2–1 run with Asheville that earned him a High-A All-Star nod.
MLB Highlights
Through June 20, 2026, Rolison had a 6–1 record, a 5.01 ERA, and 52 strikeouts at the major league level. His first MLB win arrived on August 16, 2025, and his most recent run of victories came with the Cubs after he was claimed off waivers in January 2026. His rapid win total reflects a steady, multi-inning relief role rather than long starting outings.
Other Wins and Performances
Rolison’s amateur and minor league career included several notable performances, including a 10–4 sophomore season at Ole Miss, a 4–0 Cape Cod League stint, and a 2–1 start with the Asheville Tourists that triggered a promotion to the Lancaster JetHawks. He also represented the United States at the 2015 U-18 Baseball World Cup in Osaka, where the team won a medal.
Ryan Rolison Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public reporting on Rolison’s immediate family has been limited, and verified details about his parents and siblings are not widely available. His upbringing in Jackson, Tennessee, and his development at University School of Jackson remain the most documented parts of his personal background.
2025 Season Performance
Rolison’s 2025 season was defined by a long-awaited major league debut. After a strong start with Triple-A Albuquerque, he was promoted by the Rockies on May 11, 2025, and made 31 appearances in his rookie year. He earned his first MLB win on August 16, 2025, against the Arizona Diamondbacks, a milestone that capped years of minor league development and injury recovery.
The Rockies designated Rolison for assignment on November 18, 2025, ending his time in the Colorado organization. Through 42⅓ innings, he recorded a 7.02 ERA with 25 strikeouts, numbers that reflected the adjustment from Triple-A to major league hitters but did not diminish the significance of his debut.
Looking ahead, Rolison’s outlook brightened considerably after he was claimed off waivers by the Chicago Cubs on January 7, 2026. Optioned to open the year at Triple-A Iowa, he earned a call-up and delivered a scoreless inning in his Cubs debut on April 14, 2026. His 6–1 record through mid-June 2026 suggested an emerging role in the Chicago bullpen and a promising foundation for the rest of the season.
