Rockies depend on young rotation
Five issues facing the Rockies:
Holes in the infield:
Despite playing in hitter-friendly Coors Field, the Rockies offense was top-heavy and struggled with inconsistency last year. Nolan Arenado, Trevor Story and Charlie Blackmon should be plus performers again in 2019, and Daniel Murphy was signed to stabilize first base.
Holes remain at catcher and second base. At this point in the offseason, a splash signing is unlikely given Colorado’s financial priorities elsewhere. Lowcost options late in free agency or the trade market are the best choices to fill any remaining holes in the lineup.
Replacing LeMahieu:
After seven seasons with the Rockies, second baseman DJ LeMahieu signed a two-year deal with the New York Yankees. LeMahieu won three Gold Gloves and a batting title during his time in Colorado, but the Rockies like their younger options to replace him.
Ryan McMahon, 24, and Garrett Hampson, 24, appear ready to compete for the starting job in spring training, and top prospect Brendan Rodgers, 22, is also likely to push for playing time after recovering from the hamstring and shoulder injuries ended his 2018 rise through the minors early at Class AAA.
outfield:
A face lift in the outfield is expected in 2019. The Rockies declined their $12.5 million option on Gerardo Parra and aren’t expected to bring back Carlos Gonzalez and Matt Holliday. David Dahl, 24, is slated for right field for now but is a candidate to take over in center, which would allow Charlie Blackmon, 32, to shift to one of the corner spots and reduce wear and tear on his body.
The Murphy signing should shift Ian Desmond back to left, but after struggling at the plate last season, Desmond could be in line for a platoon situation with Raimel Tapia and/or Noel Cuevas.
Rotation boom:
A seemingly perpetual question has been whether the Rockies can succeed at pitching in the thin air
of Colorado, but they appear to have the makings of a promising young rotation under manager Bud Black, a former bigleague pitcher and pitching coach.
Kyle Freeland, 25, and German
Arenado’s future:
JAYNE KAMIN-ONCEA/USA TODAY SPOR Marquez, 23, emerged as high-quality rotation options in 2018. Antonio Senzatela, 24, was excellent down the stretch as a starter after spending most of the first half in the bullpen. Tyler Anderson, 29, was a solid option as well.
The Rockies likely won’t add another starter via free agency or trade, so the pressure is on the likes of Jeff Hoffman, 26, and Jon Gray, 27, to finally harness their talent and push for the final spot in the rotation.
Entering his seventh big-league season, Arenado is set for a hefty raise. Arenado is in his final year of arbitration eligibility before he becomes a free agent and is seeking $30 million; the Rockies have offered $24 million. If the sides can’t negotiate a deal, an arbitration hearing will be scheduled for some time in February.
Regardless, signing the four-time AllStar and six-time Gold Glove winner to a long-term contract remains a top priority for the Rockies. Doing so would prevent him from becoming a free agent after the 2019 season. General manager Jeff Bridich has signaled the team’s willingness to give Arenado a deal north of $200 million, but the negotiation process continues slowly.