Colorado Rockies: D.J. Lemahieu, Brendan Rodgers and Free Agency

How will the Colorado Rockies fill second base in 2019 with D.J. Lemahieu set to hit free agency? Could Brendan Rodgers be a factor?

Early Saturday, Jon Heyman reported that the second baseman for the Colorado Rockies, D.J. Lemahieu, has hired Wasserman Media Group to be his new representation. This news may seem insignificant at the moment because the Rockies are currently in first place, but it may signify that Lemahieu’s time with Colorado could be coming to an end.

Lemahieu, a two-time All-Star and Gold Glove Award Winner, has been a staple in the Rockies’ infield for the past seven years. As a Rockie, the second baseman has averaged 8 home runs and 59 RBIs per season and has recorded a batting average as high as .348 (2016).

Going into the season, Lemahieu ranked eighth in team history in hits (986), 11th in batting average (.299) and ninth in runs (483).

Following 2018, Lemahieu will enter free agency. The Rockies are not likely to bring their longtime second baseman back for 2019, as their top prospect, Brendan Rodgers, looks like he will soon be able to make an instant impact for the big league club.

Brendan Rodgers was the third selection in the loaded 2015 draft class. Fellow shortstops, Dansby Swanson, and Alex Bregman went before Rodgers and have proven to be very valuable pieces to their respective clubs. Rodgers looks like he is set to follow in their footsteps and be the third solid infielder over the top five selections.

Rodgers spent most of his season at Double-A before receiving a late promotion to Triple-A Albuquerque. Overall, the slugger hit 17 home runs, drove in 67 runs and slugged .268/.330/.460.

Rodgers displays a significant amount of upside, especially when he is set to play his home games at Coors Field. The righty has a short swing and the ability to hit for a high average.  He also possesses solid pop, which should play up at Coors Field. Once Rodgers establishes himself at the Major League level, I can see him easily hitting 20-25 home runs per season.

While the youngster is very polished, he still has skills to improve. Like many young hitters, Rodgers does not walk much. His approach will have to improve but this will likely come with maturity.

The presence of All-Star shortstop, Trevor Story, will likely benefit Rodgers in the long run. While Rodgers has always been a shortstop, his slight lack of athleticism will likely hold him back at the Major League level. With Story at short and Nolan Arenado at third, second base will be Rodgers position for the taking.

The Colorado Rockies shouldn’t lose much production at second base if they choose to move on from D.J. Lemahieu. Brenden Rodgers will likely be the club’s everyday second baseman at some point in 2019.

If they feel that he might need a little more Minor League seasoning, the Rockies also have their speedy prospect, Garret Hampson, ready to play second base on an interim basis. While he is not as talented as Rodgers, Hampson has the skills to be a solid middle infielder.

The club could reinvest the money that Lemahieu would command to upgrade at another position. Ian Desmond has been dreadful, maybe the Rockies will acquire a first baseman? The team will also likely be in search for an everyday outfielder. Having Rodgers close to being ready will likely give management room to be creative in the offseason.

The Colorado Rockies will more than likely make their second consecutive playoff appearance in 2018. I would expect the club to make another appearance in 2019 as their talented roster is set to compete for the foreseeable future.