The Colorado Rockies may well be the most perplexing team in baseball.
It was quite clear that they were not going to make the postseason in either 2021 or 2022. Despite all of that evidence, the Rockies did nothing at either trade deadline, despite having several attractive trade chips that they were not going to be able to retain. At the same time, despite being in the same division as the Dodgers, Padres, and Giants, the Rockies feel like they are just a piece or two away from competing.
Three players for Colorado Rockies to target
And maybe that would be the case if players were healthy and lived up to expectations. The problem is that the Rockies have plenty of holes in the lineup and pitching staff. Signing Kris Bryant last season, and potentially adding another star this year, would not be enough. The Rockies need a complete roster overhaul. But that is not something that they are going to do.
The Colorado Rockies think that they can contend in 2023. Let’s take a look at three players that could get them closer to that goal.
Brandon Nimmo
The Colorado Rockies outfield is the biggest area of need.
Kris Bryant is locked in at left field and, if healthy, is the type of star that they need in the middle of the lineup. The problem is that the rest of the outfield is comprised of fourth outfielder types at best. Yonathan Daza should not be starting for any team that thinks they will contend. Randal Grichuk had a miserable first season in Colorado. And Charlie Blackmon should not play in the outfield unless it is in the most dire of emergencies.
While the Rockies were the surprise destination for Bryant, they have been connected to one of the top outfielders in free agency all offseason. Brandon Nimmo would solve their problems in center field, adding a dynamic player to the top of their lineup while providing the type of defense that is needed in Coors Field.
The Rockies may also have an advantage when it comes to signing Nimmo. He grew up in Wyoming, just two hours away. That ability to play close to home could be the type of draw that gives the Rockies an advantage in what will be a competitive market for his services.
The Colorado Rockies need to upgrade their outfield and have to find a viable center fielder. Brandon Nimmo could solve both issues.