3 moves for Colorado Rockies this offseason
The Colorado Rockies are a mess. From their handling of Nolan Arenado in the previous offseason, to their refusal to make any deals whatsoever at the trade deadline, and to their insistence of promoting from within, the Rockies have become a bit of a punchline.
Add in their place in the NL West and it is difficult to see the Rockies contending any time soon. Nonetheless, ownership refuses to acknowledge reality, insisting that they can contend with just a few minor moves. That is especially confusing considering that their best player, Trevor Story, is literally counting down the hours until free agency and he can leave the organization behind.
Three things the Colorado Rockies need to do this offseason
The Rockies have already been busy. Although the offseason has yet to begin, they have extended both C.J. Cron and Antonio Senzatela. At least they are making an attempt, even if that involves just keeping the same players they had.
The Colorado Rockies are in a difficult place this offseason. Let’s take a look at three things the organization should do.
Wake up and face reality
Ownership is going to regard the Colorado Rockies’ fourth place finish in 2021 as a disappointment. In reality, the Rockies were lucky to finish that high in the standings.
It is understandable that every owner wants to contend. No one enjoys losing, especially when that involves losing long enough to rebuild the franchise from the ground up. But that is exactly what the Rockies may need to do.
Not only is there a dearth of talent on the roster, but the Rockies also play in one of the more difficult divisions in the majors. The Giants won a major league best 107 games. The Dodgers were a game behind San Francisco, and have proven that they will spend anything they need to in order to compete. San Diego has attempted to emulate the Dodgers’ free spending ways, and with Bob Melvin on the bench, they may be able to finally return to the postseason.
Where does this leave the Rockies? In all likelihood, fighting for fourth in the division once more. But that will only happen if they catch a few breaks and the Diamondbacks implode again. The reality is that this is a flawed team in a tough division. The sooner that ownership figures that out, the sooner the Rockies can start to rebuild.
Mend the bridge with Jon Gray and bring him back
Unlike Trevor Story, who is counting the seconds until he can leave the organization behind, Jon Gray wants to remain with the Colorado Rockies.
Likewise, the Rockies want him back. They have even made an extension offer, reportedly offering a three year deal worth between $35 and $40 million. As Gray is projected to earn between $9 to $10 million a year in free agency, that is a bit of an overpay to keep him in Colorado.
But Gray turned down that extension. While the Rockies can place the Qualifying Offer on him, they now appear to be ready to let him test free agency. Maybe the Rockies feel that he will learn that other teams do not value him as highly and come back, looking to get that three year deal they had already offered.
This is also not a risk that the Rockies can afford. Gray is easily one of their better pitchers, someone who has been able to find success despite playing half their games in Colorado. He even wants to return, something that few pitchers have ever said. If there is a middle ground, the Rockies front office needs to find it now.
Jon Gray actually wants to return to the Colorado Rockies. The front office needs to make that happen.
Find a major league caliber outfielder
80. 71. 96. Those are not random numbers – that would be the OPS+ of the Colorado Rockies starting outfield for 2021.
While those numbers would be disappointing for any franchise, that is particularly the case in Colorado. The thinner air of Coors Field should, in theory, help to inflate offensive production. Instead, the trio of Raimel Tapia, Garrett Hampson, and Charlie Blackmon all disappointed. Connor Joe was the only actual outfielder to post an OPS+ over 100 during the 2021 season.
Clearly, something has to be done. Sam Hilliard could be part of the solution after hitting 14 homers in 238 plate appearances, but he also struck out in 36.6% of his plate appearances. Joe is likely to get more of a look next year, but he is already 28 years old and may not have much room for improvement.
This is a chance for the Rockies to change their perception. They have not signed a major league free agent in years, eschewing any viable option to sign minor league free agents and hope that something sticks. If the Rockies actually think they are going to contend, that has to change.
Next. Gray should run away from the Rockies. dark
The Colorado Rockies outfield was an embarrassment last season. They need to find viable major league options one way or another.