BURNING QUESTIONS
What will they do with Arenado?
After signing an eight-year contract extension last February, Arenado found his name in the headlines for the second consecutive winter as the subject of trade talk. The Rockies reportedly signaled they’d be open to discussing a deal for Arenado, which led to a public rift between the third baseman and general manager Jeff Bridich.
Being open to a deal is one thing. Making a deal, of course, is altogether different. Colorado would want a significant return for a 28-year-old All-Star and Gold Glove winner in his prime. Arenado also has a full no-trade clause in his contract and an opt-out clause after next season. Arenado is in camp and says he has no regrets about the offseason, but the situation could become untenable if Arenado becomes more frustrated with the team’s direction.
Will the rotation bounce back?
A promising young rotation took a big step backward last season and had the worst starting ERA in baseball. After finishing fourth in NL Cy Young voting in 2018, Kyle Freeland stumbled to a 3-11 record and saw his ERA skyrocket to 6.73. German Marquez and Antonio Senzatela also had big jumps in ERA. Jon Gray was solid until a foot injury ended his season in mid-August.
Chi Chi Gonzalez, who had a solid
September, and Jeff Hoffman, acquired in the 2015 Troy Tulowitzki trade with Toronto, could also compete for rotations spots. The Rockies made no significant additions this offseason and appear content to bring everyone back and hope for rebounds and health.