Offseason Outlook: Colorado Rockies
theScore's baseball editors break down the past year for each team, and look ahead to the offseason.
Free agents: Matt Belisle, Michael Cuddyer, Nick Masset, Franklin Morales, Brett Anderson
Arbitration-eligible players: Jhoulys Chacin, Drew Stubbs, Wilton Lopez, Juan Nicasio, Jair Jurrjens, Rex Brothers, Tyler Chatwood, Jordan Lyles, Adam Ottavino, Wilin Rosario, Michael McKenry
2014 payroll: $98-million
What went right
Justin Morneau earned his first career batting title with a .319 average. The former 2006 AL MVP and four-time All-Star also blasted 17 home runs and 77 RBIs to complement his league-best average. The first baseman appeared to be in the twilight of his career, but he enjoyed his best campaign since 2009, when he hit 30 homers and 100 RBIs as a member of the Minnesota Twins.
Charlie Blackmon's impressive first half of the season earned him All-Star honors for the first time in his career. The outfielder hit a blistering .305 with 14 home runs and 52 RBIs prior to the break, but cooled off considerably in the second half. Overall, Blackmon's first full campaign in the bigs was a huge success.
What went wrong
Nearly everything went wrong for the Rockies, but major injuries to All-Star Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez ultimately sunk the team. Inconsistent starting pitching behind ace Jorge De La Rosa - the only pitcher on the club to throw over 143 innings - was also a serious issue. Jordan Lyles (7-4, 4.33 ERA) was the only other starter to have a winning record besides De La Rosa.
Colorado relievers also had a miserable campaign. Veteran closer LaTroy Hawkins (23 saves, 3.31 ERA) was the single reliable option out of a bullpen that ranked second-last in ERA (4.79) behind the Houston Astros. When a 41-year-old hurler past his prime is a team's best option in high-leverage situations, there are some serious issues.
Offseason needs
Starting pitching
The Rockies ranked in the top five in the majors in runs per game (4.66), batting average (.276) and home runs (186), but finished dead last in team ERA (4.86) and WHIP (1.44). Pitching is their obvious need heading into the offseason, but attracting hurlers on the open market isn't easy because of the high altitude at Coors Field. Colorado needs to find an arm to eat innings beyond De La Rosa, and won't compete in the National League West until it addresses the issue.
Top Targets
- Ervin Santana - It might be hard to convince some of the top-end arms to brave the altitude in Colorado, so luring midrange arms like Santana seems more realistic.
- Edinson Volquez - The righty will draw interest from many teams after posting a 3.04 ERA with the Pittsburgh Pirates last season.
- Justin Masterson - A good middle-of-the-road option for the Rockies that shouldn't break the bank.
High-leverage reliever
As stated above, the bullpen was a major downfall for Colorado in 2014, and Hawkins isn't getting any younger. Again, luring some of the top relievers to Colorado without overpaying could be difficult.
Top Targets
- Francisco Rodriguez - K-Rod enjoyed a bounce-back season with the Milwaukee Brewers, recording 44 saves.
- Matt Lindstrom - Lindstrom had some injury trouble last season with the Chicago White Sox. He previously played for the Rockies back in 2011.
- Joel Hanrahan - The righty didn't take the mound last season as he continues to recover from Tommy John surgery, but he could be a cost-effective gamble for the Rockies.
Impact prospect
Jon Gray - The right-hander went 10-5 with a 3.91 ERA in 24 starts for the Double-A Tulsa Drillers last season. Gray has the potential to become a true ace due to his blazing fastball, which occasionally registers triple digits on the radar gun. The No. 3 pick in the 2013 draft out of the University of Oklahoma is the No. 11-ranked prospect on MLB.com and by far the best pitcher in the Rockies' farm system.