Rockies’ Future Looks Grim Heading into 2025
As the Rockies approach the 2025 season, there isn’t much excitement for fans to cling to. According to Fangraphs, the team has a mere 0.1% probability of making the playoffs, tied with the White Sox for the lowest in the league. With a projected record of 65-97 this season, the Rockies face a challenging journey back to competitiveness, especially with stronger teams ahead in the NL West.
Young Talent Offers Hope
Despite the dismal outlook, the Rockies possess some promising young talents that could inspire optimism. Michael Toglia had an impressive 25 home runs in his inaugural full season and is expected to take over as the team’s regular first baseman. Ezequiel Tovar, coming off a Gold Glove-winning year and leading the NL in doubles, is secured with a seven-season extension. Additionally, Brenton Doyle is recognized as one of the best center field defenders in the league and had a productive offensive season last year.
Outfield Dynamics Undergo Change
The recent retirement of Charlie Blackmon allows for regular DH play for Kris Bryant. The outfield situation is quite uncertain, with Doyle confirmed in center and Sam Hilliard expected to continue as the fourth outfielder following a solid performance last season. Nevertheless, various options exist for regular playing time.
Battle for Left and Right Field Positions
26-year-old Nolan Jones is the top candidate for the regular left field spot despite a challenging 2024 season plagued by injuries, where he posted a disappointing .227/.321/.320 in just 79 games. However, he previously had a remarkable 2023 season with a .297/.389/.542 line, which showcases his potential to be a key contributor. The competition for right field features Jordan Beck, who had a tough 2024, hitting just .188/.245/.276 due to injuries but entered Spring Training as a favorite for the position.
Emerging Opportunities in Right Field
Two players, Sean Bouchard and Zac Veen, are making strong cases for the right field job. Bouchard, 28, might be the oldest candidate but has shown promise with a solid .251/.368/.443 line over the past three years. Veen, 23, still regarded as a top prospect despite injuries, has shown offensive prowess in Spring Training, raising his stock with a .317/.304/.610 showing in 20 games.
Roster Decisions for the Rockies
With the current roster setup, the Rockies can only accommodate three of these four corner bats. Jones is nearly assured a spot due to options constraints, while Bouchard, Veen, and Beck still have options left. Keeping the highly regarded prospects Beck and Veen off the main roster would be impractical. There’s potential for a time-sharing arrangement to give both players the needed at-bats for development while utilizing Bouchard’s right-handed bat strategically. As the team prepares for the season, clarity is needed on who would benefit from starting in the minors. Would the Rockies opt for further development for Veen despite his strong performance, or would Beck’s challenges lead to his exclusion? A decision must be made on managing the roster for the best outcome.
