Colorado Rockies: Examining three potential free agent gambles
By Nick Stevens
Could the Colorado Rockies turn around Carlos Rodon?
We’re going to dig deep here to find three names to discuss, including a few recent non-tenders who entered the free agent market on Wednesday evening. Until the Colorado Rockies decide they want to be major players in free agency, the options are fairly limited.
The first intriguing option is starting pitcher Carlos Rodon. Rodon was non-tendered by the Chicago White Sox after being set to earn close to $5 million in arbitration this winter.
It’s been a rough road for Rodon over the last few years, pitching just over 40 innings the last two seasons while suffering from shoulder and elbow injuries (included Tommy John surgery). He came back for 7.2 frames in 2020, giving up seven earned runs and striking out six.
His last healthy season came in 2018 where Rodon went 6-8 with a 4.18 ERA and was worth 2.2 Wins Above Replacement through 20 starts. He may not have been living up to the hype of being a former first round MLB draft pick, but his first four seasons in the majors showed evidence of a solid backend of the rotation piece.
Rodon’s fastball velocity ticked up a bit this season but is still 1-2 mph off his normal 94 mph+ four-seamer he featured when fully healthy. If he enters 2021 finally healthy and fresh, perhaps that velocity returns. He also owns a prominent slider that has a long track record of producing whiffs.
Since 2018, Rodon’s slider has limited hitters to a .183 wOBA, which ranks among the best in all of baseball.
Maybe a change of scenery will help. After his recent injury history and limiting action, he’s sure to come at a minimal cost. Rodon will be 28 next season, so he still has a bit of youth on his side as well. If the Colorado Rockies are looking for a backend starter with upside, they may take a flyer on him.