The Colorado Rockies‘ long standing nightmare is over. Jeff Bridich is out as general manager, leading to the hope that the franchise will find someone competent to run the organization. However, given that the organization allowed him to stay after alienating, and subsequently trading Nolan Arenado, that may be a bit too much to ask for.
No matter who takes over the role, they will have a monumental task ahead of them. Star shortstop Trevor Story is set to enter free agency, as will be starter Jon Gray. Charlie Blackmon has a pair of player options, and he is likely to pick up at least the one for 2022 worth $18 million. The farm system is ranked 27th in the majors, with Zac Veen the only top 100 prospect. Add in the fact that they happen to play in the same division as the Padres and Dodgers, and there is a lot of work to be done.
Three moves for the Colorado Rockies
This does not mean that the Rockies’ situation is hopeless. Some around the league view the general manager role as a potential gold mine, one that a creative person could have a great deal of success with. As creativity has been in short supply in the Rockies over the past few years, that is a novel concept.
Let’s take a look at how the Colorado Rockies can work their way back to relevance. Here are three moves they need to make.
Extend Trevor Story
Extension talks with Trevor Story went absolutely nowhere this offseason while Bridich was in charge. One could understand why.
The status of being a franchise icon obviously did not matter before. Arenado had fit that mold, but was run out of town and traded for pennies on the dollar by Bridich. But this is a new day. And perhaps, with a new person in charge, Story would be more amenable to that conversation.
It would not hurt to try. Story has become one of the better shortstops in the game since his major league debut, posting a career .277/.342/.532 batting line in 2628 plate appearances, hitting 136 homers and 152 doubles while stealing 82 bases. He has been excellent defensively as well, saving 45 runs at short. This is a player to build around.
Trevor Story is just entering his prime. The Colorado Rockies need to make sure that does not happen anywhere else.