With MLB Opening Day only 22 days away and spring training games steadily underway, baseball season is right around the corner. Over the next month, we will preview all 30 MLB teams for the 2020 season leading up to Opening Day on March 26th. Next up, the Colorado Rockies 2020 preview. Check out the preview for the Cleveland Indians here.
The Colorado Rockies struggled to a 71-91 record in 2019 after a 91 win season and NLDS berth in 2018. The disappointing season was followed up by star Nolan Arenado being named in trade rumors just one year after signing an eight-year extension. Arenado has an opt-out after the 2021 season which would make him a free agent if the Rockies do not decide to trade him.
On the field, the Rockies offense was overly reliant on the Arenado, shortstop Trevor Story, and outfielder Charlie Blackmon. Arenado was his usual dominant self, as 2019 saw him finish in the top eight of NL MVP voting for the fifth straight season. Story built on a breakout 2018 season and made his second straight All-Star appearance. Blackmon bounced back after a slight decline in 2018 which saw his average uncharacteristically dip below .300. Outfielder David Dahl made his first All-Star appearance and was having a very good season before a high ankle sprain ended his season in early August.
On the pitching side, Kyle Freeland regressed significantly after a dominant 2018. His ERA jumped almost four points from 2.85 to 6.73. Some of that regression can be attributed to the baseball used last season, as Freeland’s HR/9 went from 0.8 in 2018 to 2.2 in 2019. A return to form from Freeland would go a long way in stabilizing a rotation that is in constant need of stability. Jon Gray improved in 2019 after a down 2018 season and German Marquez had a solid 2019 and will look to see some positive regression into 2020.
The bullpen of the Rockies was where the team struggled the most as closer Wade Davis registered an 8.65 ERA. Bryan Shaw and Jairo Diaz also struggled with both registering an ERA over 4.50. Scott Oberg had a second straight quality season and will look to anchor the Rockies bullpen again in 2020.
Young infielder Ryan McMahon had a solid 2019 in his first full season getting consistent at-bats. He was playing out of position at second base but graded out as an average defender. Prospect Brendan Rodgers appeared in 25 games last season and will look to push for playing time at second base. Another young infielder to keep an eye on is Colton Welker. Welker played 98 games at Double-A last season and will try and push for playing time in 2020. While his primary position is currently filled by Nolan Arenado, Welker had some experience at first base which could be up for grabs if Daniel Murphy struggles early in 2020.
The Colorado Rockies pitching staff will always be imperative to the team’s success as Arenado, Story, and Blackmon will anchor the lineup. The Los Angeles Dodgers have dominated the NL West for years, the San Diego Padres have an intriguing combination of youth and experience, and the Arizona Diamondbacks appear to be making a run back toward playoff contention. The pitching staff needs to find their 2018 form if the Rockies want to make a run at an NL Wild Card spot in 2020.
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