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3 moves for Colorado Rockies this offseason

By David Hill

Jul 18, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Jon Gray (55) walks off the field after during the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Coors Field. Gray became the pitcher with the second most strikeouts in Rockies franchise history. Mandatory Credit: Michael Ciaglo-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 18, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Jon Gray (55) walks off the field after during the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Coors Field. Gray became the pitcher with the second most strikeouts in Rockies franchise history. Mandatory Credit: Michael Ciaglo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

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.

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