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2026 Rockies Defensive Play of the Year
There were some outstanding defensive plays made by the Colorado Rockies in 2026, but Purple Row readers have spoken. Cole Carrigg and Kyle Karros’ remarkable 8-5 double play against the Chicago Cubs on June 17 has been voted the Rockies’ Defensive Play of the Year.
The Rockies were trailing 8-2 in the bottom of the fifth inning at Wrigley Field when Matt Shaw lifted a 345-foot fly ball
into straightaway center field. Carrigg tracked it down, getting behind the baseball and positioning himself to make a throw to third base, where Ian Happ was attempting to advance.
Carrigg made the catch and unleashed a 99.8-mph throw toward third, generating so much momentum that he went tumbling into a barrel roll after releasing the baseball.
But the throw was only half the play.
The ball arrived on the infield side of third base, forcing Karros to reach out to make the catch before lunging back toward the bag. He managed to apply the tag to Happ just before the runner reached third, completing the double play.
It was an outstanding throw by Carrigg and an equally impressive piece of glove work by Karros. And considering the two are best friends, it’s fitting that they combined for one of the most memorable defensive moments of the season.
Carrigg’s arm strength was hardly a secret by the end of 2026. He averaged 96.9 mph on his qualifying outfield throws, ranking fourth among MLB outfielders and second among center fielders, behind only Oneil Cruz. His throw against the Cubs was among the hardest of the season to record an out.
The play didn’t ultimately change the outcome of the game. Colorado chipped away at Chicago’s lead but eventually fell 8-6.
Perhaps the best reaction came from the Cubs broadcast, where the announcer couldn’t help but admire what he’d just witnessed.
“Man, Cole Carrigg can play.”
And Kyle Karros can, too.
Rockies news & links
How Colorado’s depth could help DePodesta make moves this offseason | MLB.com
Thomas Harding spoke with Rockies president of baseball operations Paul DePodesta about the team’s positional depth and how it might factor into offseason moves. DePodesta believes Colorado has seven or eight MLB-ready outfielders and acknowledged that there simply isn’t room for everyone. He also confirmed that the team’s surplus has already come up in trade discussions. We’ve spent plenty of time talking about the possibility of moving position players to acquire pitching, and it sounds like the front office is exploring those options as well. The Rockies have some interesting young talent, but figuring out how to turn that depth into pitching could be one of DePodesta’s most important tasks this offseason.
Could trading Hunter Goodman be in play for Rockies? | Denver Sports (Podcast)
Speaking of potential trades, the Shapiro and Piro podcast from Denver Sports discusses whether the Rockies should consider moving All-Star catcher Hunter Goodman. It’s an interesting question. Goodman is one of Colorado’s most productive players and could certainly be part of the team’s future. On the other hand, he’s also one of the few players on the roster who might bring back a substantial pitching return. Trading him would be a difficult decision, but it’s one the Rockies should at least be willing to consider.
Rockies’ Rising Offense May Be Just Getting Started | Sports Illustrated
Maddy Dickens of Sports Illustrated is optimistic about Colorado’s offense heading into 2027. With young players like Cole Carrigg and Charlie Condon entering the picture, Dickens believes the Rockies could reach 80 wins next season if they can add some average pitching. That’s quite a leap for a team coming off 104 losses, but hey, we could all use a little hopium this offseason.
Around MLB
Baseball’s Payroll Disparity Problem Explained. The Case for a Salary Cap and Floor | MLB.com
MLB executive vice president of baseball operations Morgan Sword lays out the league’s argument for a salary cap, salary floor, and expanded revenue sharing ahead of the next round of collective bargaining. The video focuses on the growing payroll disparity between clubs and how MLB believes its proposed changes could improve competitive balance. Of course, the MLBPA sees things differently and has strongly opposed a salary cap. With the possibility of a work stoppage hanging over the next CBA negotiations, it’s worth hearing the league’s position directly, even if you don’t agree with its proposed solution.
New Top 100 MLB Prospect Rankings for 2026-27 Offseason | Bleacher Report
Joel Reuter released his updated Top 100 prospect rankings, and four Rockies made the list. Ethan Holliday checks in at No. 35, followed by Charlie Condon (47), Roldy Brito (55), and Tyler Bell (91). It’s nice to see Colorado represented, but there’s a familiar theme here: all four are position players. The Rockies have assembled some intriguing young offensive talent, but developing pitching remains a significant organizational challenge.
Wheeler, Alvarez earn MLB Comeback Player of the Year awards | Associated Press
Awards season continues with Zack Wheeler and Yordan Alvarez taking home the National League and American League Comeback Player of the Year awards. The Associated Press also provides a rundown of several other honors, including the Hank Aaron Awards for Alvarez and Pete Crow-Armstrong, Relievers of the Year Mason Miller and Bryan Baker, and Executive of the Year Erik Neander. There’s plenty to discuss as baseball continues handing out its 2026 hardware.
2027 Contemporary Baseball Era Committee Candidate: Dusty Baker | FanGraphs
Jay Jaffe of FanGraphs takes a deep dive into Dusty Baker’s remarkable life and career as the longtime manager gets another opportunity at the Hall of Fame. Baker’s story goes well beyond the dugout. He fished with Satchel Paige, spent time with Jimi Hendrix, managed five franchises to the postseason, and eventually won a World Series. Jaffe examines the successes, controversies, and disappointments along the way while making the case for Baker’s induction. If you enjoy baseball history, this is a terrific read.
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