#27
The Colorado Rockies were about as irrelevant as could be in 2022 trying to split the difference between rebuilding and contending. Could they start to turn things around in 2023?
#28 - 5th in NL West
MIH - Kris Bryant
MIP - German Marquez
PTW - Elehuris Montero
2022 Results
#23 - 68-94, 5th in NL West
Highest WAR (Position) - Brendan Rodgers
Highest WAR (Pitcher) - Daniel Bard
The Rockies were in a weird spot in 2022. They are a few years removed from selling off the face of their franchise (Nolan Arenado), and they watched their star shortstop leave in free agency (Trevor Story). They looked like they were a prime candidate for a teardown and rebuild. Then they signed Kris Bryant to a megadeal. They didn't have a ton of young talent contributing, while their lineup was a random combination of journeyman veterans (C.J. Cron, Jose Iglesias, Randal Grichuk, Daniel Bard) and the remnants of the "glory days" of the Rockies (Charlie Blackmon). The one exception might be Brendan Rodgers, who is finally establishing himself as an everyday big leaguer. For the most part though, the Rockies were stuck in the middle with nowhere to go.
Additions / Subtractions
The Rockies might have had the least active offseason of any team. They let a few veterans leave in free agency like Jose Iglesias, Sam Hilliard, and Alex Colome. They took some fliers on a few guys like pitchers Brent Suter and Ty Blach, and shortstop Cole Tucker. That's about it.
Most Important Hitter
Kris Bryant
Part of what hijacked any promise and potential of the 2022 season is the fact that their big investment, Kris Bryant, only played 42 games in the first season of his 7 year deal. The former Rookie of the Year, MVP, and World Series champion was productive when he actually played, earning an OPS+ of 127. Now he's entering his age 31 season, and the biggest question the Rockies face entering this season revolves around Bryant's health. Was 2022 an anomaly, or was it a sign of a body breaking down? The Rockies are invested in his health, and their success for the foreseeable future depends on him being in the lineup every day.
Most Important Pitcher
German Marquez
The perpetual question surrounding the Rockies every season is if they can pitch. All their starters right now are fairly established, but none of them have emerged as stars. They also have a pretty bare farm system in terms of pitchers if they are looking for immediate help this season too. One of the most interesting pitchers they have that needs to have a big year is German Marquez. After an All Star season in 2021, he had the worst season of his career in 2022. Now he needs to bounce back and get back to being a solid starter behind Kyle Freeland at the top of the rotation.
Prospect to Watch
Ezequiel Tovar
One difference between 2022 and 2023 for the Rockies is they have a top tier prospect ready to make an impact at the big league level. Ezequiel Tovar is the gem of the Rockies' system (which is average at best). Ranked the #25 prospect in all of baseball, Tovar is slated to be the Opening Day starting shortstop for the Rockies this year after making his debut at the end of last season. He is a Gold Glove caliber shortstop that is starting to show he can be an impact bat in the lineup.
2023 Prediction
5th in NL West
The Rockies still feel stuck. They are in one of the most competitive divisions in baseball so they can't contend, they don't have a farm system full of big league ready talent so they can't hand it over to the young guys, they don't have any stars left to trade to replenish their farm system (unless they already try to flip Kris Bryant) so they can't reset. They are stuck. They might take some steps forward, but I don't see them leaving the cellar of the NL West this season.
Fearless Prediction
Charlie Blackmon will not end the season in a Rockies uniform.
The last pillar of the Rockies glory years is Charlie Blackmon. He has had an amazing career in Colorado, winning a batting title, 2 Silver Sluggers, and making 4 All Star Games. However, his numbers have taken a nose dive the last 2 or 3 seasons. He is entering his age 36 season and the last year of his contract with the Rockies. Look for him being a possible trade candidate down the stretch or maybe even a DFA candidate if his production doesn't rebound in 2023. I hope that's not the case for one of the best Rockies to ever put on the jersey.
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