After a successful 2017 and 2018 then a losing year in 2019. It has brought up some major questions about the Colorado Rockies. What are the biggest needs and what move need to be made for the 2020 season? Here are the Colorado Rockies Offseason needs checklist.
The Rockies have a young core group of players that have the potential to be good. They have all-stars like Trevor Story, Nolan Arenado and Charlie Blackmon in their lineup. There are three needs that the Rockies have to address before the 2020 season that could determine their success.
Starting pitching
In 2018 the Rockies led the National League in starter innings than in 2019, they had the worst starter ERA with .5.87. Kyle Freeland had a disappointing 2019, the Rockies hope he can get back to where he was in 2018. Jon Gray and German Marquez are coming off sold years and are expected to be the top two in rotation.
Most of the pitchers remain from their Minor League depth remain with the exception of Tyler Anderson and Chad Bettis. The Rockies need to find at least one experienced and reliable starting pitcher whether through trade or free agency.
Relief Pitching
Wade Davis went from leading the NL in saves in 2018 to losing his closer spot in 2019. The hope is that Davis will return to form in 2020 season considering they are paying him $17 million dollars next season. Bryan Shaw and Jake McGee may attract one trade interest and it would benefit the Rockies to explore moving them.
Its time to replace Shaw and McGee with some reliable experienced bullpen arms that can handle Coors Field. The Rockies need a better bullpen next season because what they have is not working.
Bench players
In 2019 the Rockies sorted off the year with Chris Iannetta and Mark Reynolds as their right-handed bench player options. But by the end of the season, they had both been released leaving the Rockies scrambling to piece a bench together. They could use Ian Desmond in a platoon situation and off the bench. The Rockies need a veteran back up catcher to backup Tony Wolters.
The Colorado Rockies have the potential to be a contending team, they still have some holes to fill. Hopefully, they make some of the necessary moves in the offseason to get them back on track in 2020. This was the Colorado Rockies Offseason needs checklist.