December 7th 2024.
As they prepare for the upcoming season, the Colorado Rockies have their sights set on Dallas. However, don't expect any major deals to go down in the "Big D." General manager Bill Schmidt believes the team is moving in the right direction, despite criticism from others. In fact, the Rockies are ranked last in ESPN's latest power rankings, even behind the White Sox who had a rough season. But Schmidt sees potential in the young players, with shortstop Ezequiel Tovar, center fielder Brenton Doyle, and promising pitchers leading the way.
At the Winter Meetings in Dallas, set to begin on Monday, Schmidt will be on the lookout for a couple of veteran players. However, any moves made will likely cause a ripple rather than a big splash. The team's conservative wish list includes a veteran reliever and an infielder. But Schmidt made it clear that he is not in the market for a closer.
"I read somewhere that we're looking for a closer," Schmidt stated. "That's not true. But I would like to add a veteran to bring some stability to our bullpen. That's what I'm looking for."
The top contenders for the ninth-inning role include Tyler Kinley, Seth Halvorsen, Victor Vodnik, and lefty Luis Peralta. But the Rockies' main goal this offseason is to build a better bench.
"I want to do that to give Buddy [Black] the opportunity to rest our guys more," Schmidt explained. "We want our starters to be fresher."
Specifically, Schmidt wants to give third baseman Ryan McMahon, Tovar, and Doyle more time off. The team kept Sam Hilliard and let go of Jake Cave because Hilliard can play center field and give Doyle a break. In those instances, Doyle could be used as a designated hitter to keep him in the lineup.
As they work towards cutting payroll for the 2025 season, the Rockies did not offer contracts to second baseman Brendan Rodgers and starting pitcher Cal Quantrill last month. The team did, however, add veteran utility infielder Kyle Farmer, who brings depth and versatility to the team.
"Farmer gives us options," Schmidt said. "He can play third, short, and second, and he could even catch in an emergency."
The Rockies still have high hopes for 21-year-old Adael Amadore as their second baseman of the future. They are also keeping an eye on Ryan Ritter, who is transitioning from shortstop to second base. However, neither player is quite ready to fill Rodgers' shoes unless they show significant improvement in the spring.
"I'm not looking to block those guys because if we see that they're ready a couple of months into the season, then they could be moved up," Schmidt said.
When it comes to starting pitching, Schmidt believes the Rockies have more depth than they have had in years. With lefties Kyle Freeland and Austin Gomber and right-handers German Marquez, Ryan Feltner, and Antonio Senzatela leading the way, the team has a solid rotation heading into spring training. However, Schmidt is keeping an open mind, as prospects Chase Dollander, Carson Palmquist, and Sean Sullivan could also make a case for a spot.
"We are a lot closer, with our young guys, than we were a year ago," Schmidt noted. "If Dollander, Palmquist, or Sullivan show they are ready and they're better than one of our five, then we'll move one of the guys to the bullpen."
Lastly, the Rockies are hopeful that designated hitter/right fielder Kris Bryant will overcome his ongoing back issues and stay healthy. As the highest-paid player on the team with a $27 million salary for 2025, Bryant is expected to primarily serve as the DH but will also get some playing time in right field. However, if he is unable to stay on the field, it could provide opportunities for outfield prospects Zac Veen, Yanquiel Fernandez, Sterlin Thompson, and Benny Montgomery.
The plan is to have Bryant as the primary DH, but if injuries persist, the door of opportunity will open wider for the young outfielders. For more Rockies news and analysis, be sure to sign up for the Rockies Insider.
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