If the early returns from Omaha are any indication, the Rockies drafted an absolute stud in Michigan right-hander Karl Kauffmann.

Kauffmann, chosen No. 77 overall on June 3, is a primary reason the Wolverines played in their first College World Series since 1984. And after a dominant postseason (2.40 ERA in four starts, all wins), he started the deciding game of the championship series against Vanderbilt on Wednesday night.

The native of Grosse Pointe, Mich., put the Wolverines on his back — alongside fellow Michigander and the Diamondbacks’ second-round draft choice, southpaw Tommy Henry — in the regionals, super regionals and then in the opening rounds in Omaha. Those two, along with Jeff Criswell in relief, made Michigan the first team to reach the College World Series championship round using only three pitchers since Georgia in 1990.

And as college baseball’s biggest stage has demonstrated, what makes Kauffman so appealing is his combination of stuff and guts. In addition to a lively, sinking mid-90s fastball that pairs with a solid changeup and a serviceable slider, Kauffman’s an absolute gamer.

In the tournament opener June 7 against top-seeded UCLA, Kauffman dominated, tossing eight scoreless innings before the Rockies’ first-round draft pick, Michael Toglia, dinged his line with two RBIs in the ninth. And in both appearances against Texas Tech in the College World Series, he allowed early damage before settling in and enabling the high-powered Michigan offense to go to work.

This is all relevant because it speaks to the type of pitcher Kauffman is under stress, which occurs frequently when a hurler takes the ball for roughly 16 starts per year at mile-high elevation. Dominant stuff definitely plays at Coors Field, but success in Denver requires more than that — it requires the knowhow to work out of jams and the confidence not to fear wayward outings at 5,280 feet.

Kauffman checks all the mental toughness boxes, and then some. Once he finishes his career as one of Michigan’s best arms in recent memory, the Rockies expect him to sign, and the slot value of his pick is $805,600.

After signing, he’ll be assigned to either the rookie league Grand Junction Rockies or the Single-A short season Boise Hawks, where the Rockies are sure to put a light workload on him this summer after the long college season. The tapered start is quite fine enough, though. Once Kauffmann is truly ingrained into the Rockies’ minor-league system, he’s sure to progress quickly up the ranks.

So mark your calendars, Colorado fans: Karl Kauffmann, Rockies’ starting pitcher, 2021.

Colorado’s picks in Omaha

A look at other Rockies who have played in the College World Series.

Player, Position / School / Year

Pat Valaika, INF / UCLA / 2012, 2013

Dustin Garneau, C / Cal State Fullerton / 2006, 2007, 2009

Christian Bergman, RHP / UC Irvine / 2007

Kyle Parker, OF/1B / Clemson / 2010

Will Harris, RHP / LSU / 2003, 2004

Jeff Baker, INF / Clemson / 2000, 2002

Brad Hawpe, OF / Louisiana State / 2000

Todd Helton, 1B / Tennessee / 1995

John Burke, RHP / Florida / 1991