Last week, I wrote about some players that could potentially be brought into the Colorado Rockies fold in hopes of one day bringing the team back to some sort of relevance. You all seemed to love that article (/s), so I may as well let the good times roll and run it back. This time, as the title suggests, I’ll be taking a look at the outfield.
Now, let me preface this: I think Colorado’s outfield is in a better place than it’s been in ages. This may be a hot take, but I’d be fine entering 2026 with
the Jordan Beck-Brenton Doyle-Zac Veen array that we saw earlier this season, with Tyler Freeman or Yanquiel Fernández backing them up. Still, every team could at least stand to give a glance towards some other possible combinations, especially when they need the run-scoring help that the Rockies do. And, I mean, with just ten-ish games left in the season and the playoffs a far-gone dream, what do I have to lose except the respect of you fine members of the Purple Row message boards?
Anyway, let’s see which players of the upcoming free agent class might be a fun fit for an outfield or DH spot on the 2026 Rockies.
Trent Grisham
It would be nice for the Rockies to snag an A-list free agent such as Kyle Schwarber or Kyle Tucker, but we’ll keep things a bit more realistic and point instead to Grisham, who’s enjoying a career year at the plate. The 28-year-old center fielder has launched 31 home runs, the first 30-homer season of his seven-year career. Some will say that he’s benefitted from the short right field porch of Yankee Stadium, but don’t be fooled – Grisham has actually hit better away from home (a slash line of .272/.371/.536 on the road) than in the friendly confines (.197/.318/.380).
Interestingly, Grisham has actually struggled somewhat to figure out Coors Field (he’s hitting .203 in 38 games there), but one assumes that a full season spent at elevation would help to assuage that issue. Though Grisham’s defense leaves a bit to be desired, a team in desperate need of offensive pop such as the Rockies might be willing to accept some subpar glovework in exchange for such an exciting bat. He may end up being the slugging designated hitter that Colorado fans have pined so many years to see.
Jesse Winker
Winker is one of those under-the-radar solid players that helps round out a team like the New York Mets. The nine-year veteran has enjoyed up-and-down success at the MLB level, most likely finishing out this season with an even 0 bWAR. The good news? Winker takes professional at-bats, finding himself in favorable counts and being in the upper echelon of chase % and walks. That’s something that the Rockies would sorely appreciate, especially as they continue to work on their offensive approach.
Winker’s at-bats could be a strong starting point for some of the younger and/or more undisciplined of Colorado’s lineup to attempt to emulate. I know some of y’all dislike the “veteran leadership” concept that I occasionally point to, and that’s fair, but there’s no doubt that Winker’s kind of plate approach is one that the Rockies would do well to attempt to employ.
If signed, Winker would likely serve in a fourth outfielder role, spotting the other core members of Colorado’s outfield rotation. If not, he, too, could also slot in as the DH for next season. He’s not terribly likely to turn in an All-Star campaign, but he’d be a breath of fresh air to an offense that’s sorely in need of a disciplined, seasoned bat.
Andrew McCutchen
Y’all are gonna love this one.
The signing of Andrew McCutchen is the final boss of my “leadership” signing ideas. He’s been a fan favorite for the entirety of his 18 seasons in MLB, and though he’s certainly lost some pep in his step, his 0.4 bWAR would be sixth-best of any Rockies hitter this season. Is that mark amazing? No, but I’ll take what I can get at this point.
McCutchen has been a member of both bad teams and playoff teams, and doubtless has a wealth of advice, feedback, and quirks to imbue upon the next generation of Colorado talent. Despite his length of service at the game’s highest level, he still profiles as an elite strike zone analyst that doesn’t give many free outs, and he’s still got some pop in his bat – a .376 slugging won’t light the world on fire, but it’s a better mark than most that have suited up for the Rockies this season.
Again, “Cutch” would be slated pretty exclusively as a fourth outfield/designated hitter role, but his impact would not be solely relegated to his on-field play. A known leader and team spokesman, McCutchen would likely assume a position of authority and guidance quickly on a team that’s only getting younger. I understand that many will say that the unquantifiable metric of “clubhouse guy” doesn’t matter, but I guess I’m just of a different mindset. I think there’s a place for someone to help raise the spirits of his comrades before, during, and after games, and I think Andrew McCutchen would be the perfect man for the job.
The Rockies outfield is in a good place overall, but there’s no reason not to explore options to bring in more talent. Any of these three players could be welcome additions as either outfielders or designated hitters, both being positions that could use some extra depth (especially if Kris Bryant’s ailments end up being as severe as they seem).
They’re just three of many possible options, though. Are there other players you’d like to see make a stop in Colorado? Let me know!
On the Farm
Triple-A: Albuquerque Isotopes 9, Reno Aces 7
Despite tallying just six hits, the Aces managed to put up seven runs against the Isotopes. Luckily, Albuquerque’s 16-knock barrage was enough to lift them to victory on Wednesday.
Owen Miller and Keston Hiura both recorded three hits, while Adael Amador’s three RBI were the most on the night. Every ‘Topes starter tallied at least one hit, and six recorded at least two. That’s a solid night at the plate!
Kyle Brnovich had a tough outing as he allowed seven runs (five earned) in his 3 1/3 inning start, but his bullpen picked him up as Mason Green, Carson Palmquist, and Collin Baumgartner combined to allow just one lone hit in their 5 2/3 frames of relief.
For more on the Rockies farm system, check out this week’s Pebble Report.
On the Internet
I’ve said before that Mickey Moniak has been one of Colorado’s unexpected stars this season. Has his success warranted a contract for next season?
On grayest days, Rockies keep looking ahead at blue skies to come | MLB.com
As bad as things have gotten this season, the Rockies must still show up everyday and do their best. How do they do it?
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