Monfort hoping for 2021 games at Coors Field
DENVER — Rockies owner Dick Monfort remains hopeful that the team will be able to host all 81 games at Coors Field in the 2021 season but also acknowledges that the coronavirus pandemic has dramatically changed baseball’s financial landscape, which means significant offseason challenges.
Thursday, in a letter to season-ticket holders, Monfort wrote: “Our hope is to play at least 81 games with fans at Coors Field in 2021, all the while providing you with an exceptional and safe experience that ultimately leads us to playing postseason games in October.”
Regarding the financial challenges facing the Rockies, and all of Major League Baseball, Monfort wrote: “The financial losses incurred across baseball in 2020 are astounding, with losses at nearly $3 billion industry-wide and the average club losing nearly $100 million. It will take time to rebound, and in some cases, these losses will never be recovered.
“As a result, there will be nothing normal about this offseason as the industry faces a new economic reality, and each club will have to adjust. It will take all of us working together to face the uncertain months ahead with determination and hope, and then be ready for a 2021 season.”
During the truncated, 60-game season, the Rockies had a $67.8 million payroll, ranking 12th in the majors, according to spotrac.com.
The Rockies are projected to have a $130.4 million payroll in 2021, which would rank ninth. Third baseman Nolan Arenado is scheduled to make $35 million, outfielder Charlie Blackmon $21 million and shortstop Trevor Story $18.5 million. Outfielder Ian Desmond, who opted out of the 2020 season, is due $8 million.
Monfort struck an optimistic tone in regards to the team in part of his letter, writing “our baseball operations department is charting a course for the coming months leading into 2021.”
“In spite of the shortened, roller coaster 2020 season, there were unmistakable positive performances to build on: Charlie Blackmon’s dominant first month, Raimel Tapia’s emergence at the top of the lineup, the consistently competitive group performance of our starting rotation, and of course Daniel Bard’s inspiring achievement that led to his well-deserved NL Comeback Player of the Year Award,” Monfort wrote.
“Looking forward, an important offseason focus is to create more group consistency throughout the course of the season; to be playoff contenders, we are well aware that the strong momentum we started the 2020 season with must be maintained and carried into the postseason.”