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Aaron Schunk Aaron Schunk Remains in organization
Fri, Feb 21, 2025, 1:20 PM
Schunk cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Albuquerque on Friday.
Analysis: The 27-year-old was designated for assignment by the Rockies earlier in the week but will stick in the organization after passing through waivers unclaimed. Schunk will remain in big-league camp as a non-roster invitee but is likely to begin the campaign at Albuquerque. |
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Victor Vodnik Victor Vodnik Chance for ninth-inning role
Thu, Feb 20, 2025, 7:54 PM
Vodnik is a candidate for saves in the Rockies' bullpen to begin the season, Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post reports.
Analysis: Vodnik tied for second on the team with nine saves in 2024, though both his surface and peripheral stats left plenty to be desired. He had a 1.48 WHIP primarily due to an 11.6 percent walk rate and paired that with a modest 20.3 percent strikeout rate. Seth Halvorsen and Tyler Kinley are the other primary candidates for save chances. |
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Seth Halvorsen Seth Halvorsen In mix for saves
Thu, Feb 20, 2025, 7:22 PM
Halvorsen is among the candidates to open the season as the Rockies' closer, Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post reports.
Analysis: Halvorsen made his big-league debut in 2024 after striking out 56 batters across 44.1 innings combined between Double and Triple-A. He converted two saves and two holds across 12 appearances with the Rockies, while also maintaining an impressive 13:2 K:BB. Tyler Kinley could get the first save chances due to his veteran status, but Halvorsen should be in the mix throughout the campaign. |
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Michael Toglia Michael Toglia Preparing for full-time job in 2025
Thu, Feb 20, 2025, 9:59 AM
Toglia is on track to open the upcoming season as the Rockies' everyday first baseman, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports. "'I'm an everyday player, I want to play every day'...there's a mindset. He has the mindset," manager Bud Black said of Toglia. "The defensive side is real. He's a really good defender. In time he's going to get his due, both inside the game and outside the game. But that takes time."
Analysis: After winning a spot on the Opening Day roster coming out of camp last spring, Toglia served as a part-time player for the Rockies to begin the season. He split time between first base and right field before he was sent down to the minors April 24 after batting just .106 with 20 strikeouts over his first 15 games. Upon returning to the majors June 6, however, Toglia proceeded to start the Rockies' final 101 games, with the last 90 coming at first base. He hit just .233 following the call-up, but he showcased power (21 home runs) and made a surprising impact on the basepaths with 10 steals. Toglia's high strikeout rate (32.2 percent in 2024) will likely continue to make him a batting-average risk during the upcoming campaign, but after building up his job security with his strong finish to last season, the 26-year-old should be able to pile up plenty of useful counting stats. |
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Tyler Kinley Tyler Kinley Good to go for spring
Thu, Feb 20, 2025, 9:47 AM
Kinley (elbow) isn't expected to be operating with any restrictions in spring training after having a normal offseason, Patrick Lyons of JustBaseball.com reports.
Analysis: Kinley finished last season on the injured list after developing right elbow inflammation in September, but he needed only a brief period of down time before he was able to resume throwing. With Colorado making no major additions to its bullpen during the offseason, Kinley should factor into the team's unsettled closer picture in 2025, just as he had last season before getting shut down due to the minor elbow issue. Over his 64 innings, Kinley turned in poor ratios (6.19 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, 13.7 K-BB%), but the 34-year-old got the job done when called upon in save situations, converting 12 of his 13 opportunities. |
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Aaron Schunk Aaron Schunk Booted off 40-man roster
Wed, Feb 19, 2025, 11:32 AM
The Rockies designated Schunk for assignment Wednesday, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.
Analysis: The transaction frees up a spot on the 40-man roster for Scott Alexander, who was signed Wednesday. Schunk managed just a .595 OPS in 39 games with the Rockies in 2024, but he can play all over the infield and has minor-league options, so he could draw interest via trade or waivers. |
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Scott Alexander Scott Alexander Gets MLB deal from Colorado
Wed, Feb 19, 2025, 11:21 AM
The Rockies signed Alexander to a one-year, $2 million contract Wednesday, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.
Analysis: Alexander, 35, collected a 2.56 ERA and 31:15 K:BB over 38.2 innings while inducing groundballs at a 58.9 percent clip with the Athletics in 2024. The sinkerballer will give manager Bud Black another left-handed option in the bullpen. |
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Jacob Stallings Jacob Stallings Will be primary catcher
Tue, Feb 18, 2025, 1:37 PM
Stallings will receive the bulk of the starts at catcher for the Rockies this season, Patrick Lyons of JustBaseball.com reports.
Analysis: Stallings put together the best offensive season of his career in 2024 in his first season in Colorado, slashing .263/.357/.453 with nine homers over 82 games. He then re-signed with the Rockies over the offseason and will enter 2025 atop the catching depth chart, with Drew Romo, Hunter Goodman and Austin Nola competing for the backup job. |
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Jordan Beck Jordan Beck Top candidate in right field
Mon, Feb 17, 2025, 7:09 PM
Beck is being considered the lead candidate to begin the 2025 season as the team's starting right fielder, Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post reports.
Analysis: Saunders notes that the Rockies enter spring camp excited about Beck and the opportunity he has in front of him to take a step forward in 2025 after struggling to a .188 average with three home runs, 13 RBI, seven stolen bases and 14 runs during his rookie campaign (55 games). "We have some good, exciting talent coming up," said manager Bud Black. "Now it's a matter of when they pop." Beck is feeling confident in his ability to land the starting job, stating "I just need to go out there and play because I know what I can do. I can hit singles, I can hit doubles and I can hit homers. I can steal bases and I can play good defense. I don't think it has to be more complicated than that." |
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Justin Lawrence Justin Lawrence Adjusting grip on sweeper
Sun, Feb 16, 2025, 7:54 PM
Lawrence changed the grip on his sweeper this offseason, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.
Analysis: Lawrence entered 2024 as one of Colorado's better relievers, but he struggled to a 6.49 ERA and 1.78 WHIP across 59.2 innings and quickly lost his role as closer. He consulted with pitching experts at Rapsodo Baseball this offseason, who determined that Lawrence was releasing the ball off of his index finger rather than his middle finger when throwing a sweeper. With the adjustment, Lawrence is hoping to regain his 2023 form that resulted in 11 saves and 11 holds. |
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Sean Bouchard Sean Bouchard Fully healthy for spring training
Sat, Feb 15, 2025, 9:52 PM
Bouchard underwent surgery on his hamate bone in early November but enters spring training fully healthy, MLB.com reports.
Analysis: There weren't many details provided about the injury, and it's unclear if the issue contributed to Bouchard's disappointing 2024 season. He was limited to only 108 plate appearances in the majors, during which he posted just a 56 wRC+. He's likely entering spring training as a longshot to start in right field, but he has a chance to earn a roster spot as a reserve outfielder. |
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Sam Hilliard Sam Hilliard Likely for Opening Day roster
Sat, Feb 15, 2025, 9:30 PM
Hilliard is likely to compete for a starting corner outfield spot during spring training, Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post reports.
Analysis: Hilliard is very likely to have a roster spot as the primary backup to Brenton Doyle in center field. He'll also compete for a corner outfield spot -- presumably right field -- with the likes of Jordan Beck and Sean Bouchard. Beck could be in the best position to earn the job out of spring training, though both he and Hilliard ended the 2024 campaign in the majors. |
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Lucas Gilbreath Lucas Gilbreath Ready for spring training
Thu, Feb 13, 2025, 11:24 AM
Rockies manager Bud Black said Thursday that Gilbreath (shoulder) has been fully cleared for spring training, Patrick Lyons of JustBaseball.com reports.
Analysis: Gilbreath didn't make his 2024 debut for the Rockies until mid-August after he completed his recovery from his March 2023 Tommy John surgery, and he made just three appearances before going back on the injured list Aug. 26 due to left shoulder inflammation. The southpaw seems to have moved past the injury over the offseason and will now work to solidify his spot in the Rockies' Opening Day bullpen during spring training. Gilbreath is likely to serve in a middle-relief role if he makes the club. |
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German Marquez German Marquez Clean bill of health for camp
Thu, Feb 13, 2025, 11:21 AM
Rockies manager Bud Black said Thursday that Marquez (elbow) is back to full health for spring training, Patrick Lyons of JustBaseball.com reports.
Analysis: After completing his recovery from his May 2023 Tommy John surgery, Marquez was cleared to make his 2024 debut for the Rockies on July 14, but he made just one start before going back on the shelf after developing a stress reaction in his surgically repaired elbow. Fortunately for Marquez, he didn't require another procedure and was able to move past the elbow issue through extended rest and rehab. The 29-year-old should be in the mix for the Rockies' Opening Day start, though that will hinge on him remaining healthy throughout the spring. |
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Kris Bryant Kris Bryant Worked on core, flexibility
Tue, Feb 11, 2025, 12:53 PM
Bryant's offseason workouts focused on core strength and flexibility in the hope that it will help keep him healthy in 2025, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.
Analysis: The Rockies also plan to use Bryant in the designated-hitter slot at home in order to limit his exposure to the difficult environment and spacious right field. Bryant -- who will be used some in right field on the road -- has played just 159 games over three regular seasons for the Rockies, largely due to back and foot issues. He is entering spring training healthy. |
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Hunter Goodman Hunter Goodman Playing time likely limited
Sun, Feb 9, 2025, 1:21 PM
Goodman is not likely to start more than twice a week as Colorado's catcher to begin the season, Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post reports.
Analysis: Goodman has performed adequately as a pitch framer and also boasts a strong arm, though he is still subpar defensively behind the plate. That will limit his playing time at the position, and his career 59 wRC+ across 301 plate appearances isn't likely to convince the Rockies to force him into the lineup elsewhere. Goodman could stick on the Opening Day roster as a bench bat, but it appears he will find playing time hard to come by initially. |
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Tommy Doyle Tommy Doyle Gets NRI deal from Colorado
Fri, Jan 24, 2025, 1:19 PM
The Rockies signed Doyle to a minor-league contract Wednesday that includes an invitation to spring training.
Analysis: All 18 of Doyle's major-league appearances have come with the Rockies, as he's put up an 8.31 ERA and 20:17 K:BB over 26 frames. The 28-year-old spent the 2024 campaign in Atlanta's minor-league system, collecting a 3.57 ERA and 43:17 K:BB across 40.1 innings. He'll compete for a spot in the Colorado bullpen. |
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Nick Martini Nick Martini Latches on with Colorado
Wed, Jan 15, 2025, 2:42 PM
The Rockies signed Martini to a minor-league contract Wednesday that includes an invitation to spring training, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.
Analysis: Martini managed a .912 OPS in 29 games for the Reds in 2023 and opened 2024 as their primary designated hitter against right-handed pitching, but he fell off to a .641 OPS across 52 contests last season and missed significant time due to thumb surgery. The 34-year-old will compete for a reserve outfielder role in Colorado. |
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Keston Hiura Keston Hiura Receives NRI from Colorado
Wed, Jan 15, 2025, 2:35 PM
The Rockies signed Hiura to a minor-league contract Wednesday that includes an invitation to spring training, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.
Analysis: Hiura, 28, went 4-for-27 during his brief time with the Angels last season and sported a .943 OPS with 26 homers at the Triple-A level in 2024. It's conceivable that the former top prospect wins an Opening Day roster spot, but Hiura will more likely begin the year at Triple-A Albuquerque. |
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Jake Woodford Jake Woodford NRI deal with Colorado
Mon, Jan 13, 2025, 8:45 AM
The Rockies signed Woodford to a minor-league contract Sunday that includes an invitation to spring training, Thomas Harding of MLB.com reports.
Analysis: Woodford made nine appearances (seven starts) between the White Sox and Pirates in 2024, posting a 7.97 ERA and 26:9 K:BB over 35 innings. He will likely compete for a swingman role in spring training but figures to be ticketed for Triple-A Albuquerque. |
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