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3 players for Colorado Rockies to target this offseason

By David Hill |
Oct 4, 2022; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets center fielder Brandon Nimmo (9) follows through on a solo home run against the Washington Nationals during the fourth inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2022; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets center fielder Brandon Nimmo (9) follows through on a solo home run against the Washington Nationals during the fourth inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
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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.

Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

Carlos Estevez

The Colorado Rockies have been one of the more self contained teams in the majors.

They have a tendency to keep their own, looking to extend their players rather than dabble in free agency. Those sojourns into free agency typically have former members of the organization atop their list, with the Rockies looking to bring those players back.

Given their tendencies, it would make sense for one of the Rockies’ current relievers to be at the top of their bullpen wishlist. Carlos Estevez is the second longest tenured player on the roster, only trailing Charlie Blackmon in that regard. While this would not matter to most teams, it does have significance in Colorado.

It also helps that Estevez has generally been a solid reliever. He continued that in 2022 as he posted a career best 3.47 ERA and a 1.175 WHiP over his 57 innings, striking out 54 batters with 23 walks. Estevez also has experience in the ninth inning, having notched 11 saves twice in a season. Should Daniel Bard struggle, it is possible that Estevez could step in and help solidify the ninth inning.

The Colorado Rockies need to give their bullpen some attention. Bringing Carlos Estevez back would be a significant step in the right direction.

Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /

Jose Quintana

The Colorado Rockies should focus on a certain type of pitcher as they look to build their rotation.

Given the thin air and how baseballs still fly out of Coors Field, having pitchers that can generate grounders can make a major difference. It is something that the Rockies have been cognisant of as they have looked to bring in pitchers that keep the ball out of the air. The likes of Jose Urena, German Marquez, and Antonio Senzatela have been brought in and kept on the roster, in part, due to those tendencies.

That is where a pitcher such as Jose Quintana would work perfectly. He has generated grounders at an above average rate during his major league career, something that has improved in recent years. His 2.93 ERA and 1.213 WHiP in 165 innings, with 137 strikeouts and 47 walks, will get plenty of attention in free agency, but this is another area where the Rockies need to open the checkbook.

For the Rockies, it is a matter of finding the right pieces so that they can actually contend as they envision. Bringing in another ground ball pitcher, and a solid veteran in Quintana, may not be a difference maker on its own. But signing Quintana would be another step in the right direction and would help the Rockies in their goal to reach the postseason.

The Colorado Rockies need to add another piece to their rotation. Jose Quintana would be a solid addition.

dark. Next. Rockies continue to reshape bullpen

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