Colorado Rockies: The window to contend is still open

With a slew of soon to be free agents, it is easy to say that the Colorado Rockies window of contention is over. That may not be the case.

In theory, the Colorado Rockies unceremonious exit from the postseason is the least of their troubles. They scored just two runs in being swept by the Milwaukee Brewers in the NLDS, showing less fight than Peter McNeely against Mike Tyson. If it was the end of an era, this was not the way anyone wanted to have their time in Colorado end.

This also leaves the Rockies in a great deal of flux heading into the offseason. They have seven impending free agents, including DJ LeMaheiu and Adam Ottavino. Nolan Arenado is in his final season of arbitration before free agency. Outfielders Gerardo Parra and Carlos Gonzalez are likely to be allowed to leave during the offseason. The 2019 Rockies will likely look a lot different than they did at the end of 2018.

However, that does not mean that the window is closed. In theory, the trio of Wade Davis, Jake McGee, and Bryan Shaw will improve next season, giving the Rockies the formidable bullpen that they were hoping for. The loss of Ottavino does hurt, but Scott Oberg was impressive last season. While his 2.45 ERA and 0.972 WHiP were light years better than any of his previous major league performances, he did show a lot more command, making it possible that this breakout can be sustained.

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Likewise, losing LeMaheiu would hurt in theory. He has been a steady part of the lineup over the past five years, a two time Gold Glove winner and a former batting champion. However, the Rockies also have top prospects Brendan Rodgers and Garrett Hampson on the cusp of the majors. Rodgers is more of a power threat than Hampson, while the latter is more of a contact hitter, but either could be a viable long term option.

The other losses may not make that much of a difference. Parra and Gonzalez were both below average in terms of OPS+, and were not exactly key parts of the order. Yes, the Rockies could miss Parra’s defensive versatility, but there are plenty of outfielders that will be available in free agency. Both Gonzalez and Parra would be easily replaceable.

The key for the Rockies will be their starting rotation. Amazingly, and bucking the history of the franchise, the Rockies starters were more than competent last year. Kyle Freeland established himself as a bona fide ace, while German Marquez took steps forward to become a solid second starter. If Jon Gray can return to his former ace status, the Rockies will be in good shape for 2019.

Of course, that does not address the large elephant in the room. Arenado is a free agent after next season, and is a key part of the Rockies lineup. The Rockies will have the room to extend him given the contracts coming off the books, but that window to sign Arenado could be small. If Manny Machado and Bryce Harper get their expected deals, Arenado’s price tag may go up even further.

The Colorado Rockies still have an open window of contention. With the right moves, 2018 could just be the beginning.