Finding the right free agents for the ballpark
Just because the Colorado Rockies should begin to rebuild does not mean that they should avoid free agency. Instead, they need to be intelligent about the free agents they pursue.
Coors Field has the largest outfield in the majors, something necessary to keep the ball from flying out whenever anyone hits a popup. Rockies outfielders, however, have been mediocre at best defensively. Sam Hilliard has cost the Rockies two runs defensively, but he looks like Andruw Jones compared to Raimel Tapia, who has already cost the team five runs. Getting outfielders who can make contact, have excellent speed, and can go get the ball in the gaps would make a major difference.
Pitching is a known issue. Pitches just do not move as much, and curveballs are a disaster. But there are some pitches that are effective. Sliders do not lose nearly as much of their bite. Two seam fastballs, sinkers, and changeups remain relatively effective as well. This is not to say that every arm should have that specific arsenal, but adding free agents that specialize in at least two of those offerings, while having ground ball tendencies, would be a major boost.
Obviously, this is easier said than done. Others have attempted to fix the Rockies and solve the Mystery of Coors Field with varying degrees of success. But it can be done with the right people in charge and a degree of creativity. That has been sorely missed over the past seven years.
The Colorado Rockies are still a long way from contending. However, three specific changes to their approach could make a difference in the long term.