Colorado Rockies: 2019 could see two young shortstops in 30/30 club

The Colorado Rockies have a great shortstop in Trevor Story. Next year he could be one of two shortstops with 30 home runs and stolen bases.

When it comes to home runs and stolen bases, very few players are better than Trevor Story and Adalberto Mondesi. This year, both Mookie Betts and Jose Ramirez joined the 30/30 club and next year, the Colorado Rockies and and Kansas City Royals shortstops might reach the milestone.

The last time that a shortstop reached the milestone was a decade ago. In 2008, Hanley Ramirez hit 33 home runs and stole 35 bases. Having two shortstops reach the milestone in the same year would be quite a feat.

Neither Story nor Mondesi have done it in 2018 but have improved a lot and should be able to make it into the club in 2019 if they stay healthy.

First we have Trevor Story. He had an amazing season, easily the best of his career so far. In 157 games, he hit nearly 40 home runs . For someone who hit so many home runs, he had a lot of stolen bases as well.

Out of all the players who hit at least 25 home runs, only three others also stole 25 or more bases. In total, he hit 37 home runs and stole 27 bases. Even though he only missed five games, there’s still room to improve.

Story has always been a home run hitter, but not really much of a threat when it came to stealing bases. But, his steals are really on the rise. He stole just 15 bases in his first 242 games. During his last 157 games, he stole 27.

It should be possible for Story to steal a couple extra bases next year, especially if his average continues to rise. Next season, he could end up with 32 to 35 home runs and 30 to 33 stolen bases throughout the year.

Then you have Mondesi. He had a spectacular season despite coming up in the middle of June. His first two seasons weren’t great but it looks like his 2019 season could be amazing if he plays the whole season. In 2018, he played in 75 games yet hit 14 home runs and stole 32 bases.

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He played less than half the season yet stole just 13 fewer bases than teammate Whit Merrifield, who led the league with 45.

At this rate, had Mondesi played in 150 games, he could have had 28 home runs and 64 stolen bases. That isn’t quite 30 home runs, but it wouldn’t have been too much of a stretch for him to hit an extra two.

A solid prediction for Mondesi if he plays a full season in 2019 would be 30 to 32 home runs and 45 to 50 stolen bases.

Next year, Story will be 26 and Mondesi will be 24. If they could make it into the club at such a young age, the two are going to have some very bright futures leading their teams, the Colorado Rockies and Kansas City Royals.