The Colorado Rockies have lost 100 games in the past two seasons. You can expect more of the same, with slight improvement this season. The Colorado Rockies have recently signed some bad contracts: Kris Bryant, German Marquez, and Antonio Senzatela.
None have produced strong results for the Colorado Rockies since signing their contracts or extensions. Plus the Rockies play in the very competitive National League West with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres. Do you think the Colorado Rockies will lose 100 games this season?
Colorado Rockies Starting Rotation
The Colorado Rockies extended Marquez to be their ace, but he spent time on the Injured List for the Rockies last year. Austin Gomber, who led the National League last year with 30 home runs given up, is Colorado’s No. 2 starter and a junk baller. There are not many good things to say.
Kyle Freeland is the team’s third starting pitcher. He was limited to 21 starts last year with an elbow injury, but he did show increased velocity in his limited time on the field. The Colorado Rockies hope Freeland has better health last year. Ryan Feltner had a breakout season last year. He made 30 starts and was a bright spot for the Rockies. Chase Dollander is currently listed as the fifth starter for the Rockies. He has no statistics available, so it is anyone’s guess how he will pitch. He is listed among the team’s top prospects.
Colorado Bullpen
If the story for the Colorado Rockies in the starting rotation is bad, it is even worse in the bullpen. Tyler Kinley is the closer and led the Rockies with 12 saves, but his season ended because of an elbow injury. He had a lofty 6.19 ERA. Seth Halvorsen is also an option at closer. He has a 100 MPH fastball.
Victor Vodnik is in the closer mix as well. He has good stuff and keeps the ball on the ground, which is important in Colorado. Anthony Molina, Scott Alexander, Lucas Gilbreath, and Luis Peralta are in the bullpen as well. Peralta was good last year in just 15 appearances.
Catcher
Jacob Stallings will be the starting catcher for the Colorado Rockies. He may be the best defensive catcher in baseball and had a bit of a breakout season last year. He benefitted from the thin air at Coors Field with 9 home runs and an .810 OPS. Stallings will split time with Hunter Goodwin and Drew Romo. Both can hit but have a shaky defense. They will battle it out in Spring Training.
Infield
The Colorado Rockies cannot pitch, but they can hit a little. Michael Toglia is the first baseman. He hit 25 home runs last year in only 118 games. The Rockies search for a first baseman may be over. Bryant may also play some games at first base. The Colorado Rockies signed Thairo Estrada to play second base. The former top prospect for the New York Yankees played the last four years for the San Francisco Giants. He hit only .217 last season. He will keep the position warm for top prospect Adael Amador.
Ryan McMahon will play third base for the Colorado Rockies. He is streaky but does have good power. Shortstop Ezequiel Tovar is a future star. He won a Gold Glove and hit 26 home runs last season.
Outfield
Nolan Jones will play left field for the Colorado Rockies. He regressed last season due to injuries and offensive struggles. The Rockies are counting on him to return to his 20-20 form. The centerfielder is Brenton Doyle. He plays excellent defense.
He hit 23 home runs last year and drove in 72 runs. He may win a Gold Glove this season. Right field is a competition between Jordan Beck, Sam Hilliard, and others. Beck was a 20-20 player in the minor leagues but seemed out of his element last year in the major leagues. Hillard hit 30 home runs twice in the minors.
Designated Hitter
Bryant is slated to be the designated hitter if he can stay healthy. Being the designated hitter should help Bryant stay healthy. He has only played 159 games since signing with the Rockies. However, he does have 30 home runs to his name. This position in the batting order is open following Charlie Blackmon’s retirement.
Management
Bud Black enters his ninth season as Colorado Rockies manager. His last winning season was in 2018. He is 67 years old. The General Manager is Bill Schmidt, who took over in 2021. He has been with the Rockies for the entire century, all of their ups and downs. The Rockies are willing to spend money as they have a middle-of-the-road payroll. Maybe Schmidt will be able to acquire some talent to complement the young roster.
Conclusion
This will be a rough season for the Colorado Rockies. They do have some good young pieces, so they could improve this season. Nevertheless, they play in the very competitive National League West with the Los Angeles Dodgers, who have proved they will outspend every other team, and the very good San Diego Padres.
