As we approach the waning days of the season, we can do what we Rockies fans spend more time doing than seemingly any other franchise – look to the future.
With the team not particularly close to contention, we often spend a large chunk of our day/week/summer season examining, critiquing, and ranking the young prospects within Colorado’s minor league system that we hope will one day make an impact in the Bigs. While that’s undoubtedly fun, it’s also important to remember that not every hole can be plugged
with internal resources, which necessitates the acquisition of outside talent.
It’s a 50/50 game, of course – you may find a diamond in the rough that turns in a solid enough performance to earn a longer contract (such as Mickey Moniak), or you might come to find that they’re unable to turn in the expected results and depart without fanfare (Scott Alexander and Nick Martini being some recent examples). It’s hard to say in the moment, but every team’s got to do it.
With a ton of options available this coming winter, are there any names that might warrant consideration from our fightin’ Rockies? I believe so, and am here to break down who they are and what upside they might bring to Coors Field.
Also, quick disclaimer, I could of course say all the big, obvious names for each of these positions (“the Rockies should sign Kyle Schwarber for DH and Alex Bregman for third base!!!”), but I feel that’s a) not terribly realistic given the team’s financial constraints and lower standing than other clubs, and b) boring and uninspired. Instead, I’ll stick with players I feel are more of a fit for the Rox in their current form.
Make sense? Then let’s run it.
C: Christian Vasquez, Gary Sanchez
I’ve written before about my interest in Sánchez, a veteran backstop currently spending time with the last-place Baltimore Orioles. To be clear, I’m not saying the Rockies should in any way attempt to supplant Hunter Goodman, who’s finishing up what’s been arguably the best season in Colorado catcher history. Instead of looking to be their everyday signal-caller, though, Sánchez could simply act as a veteran presence to assist Goodman and the Rockies pitching staff.
With Drew Romo’s future a bit murky, bringing in the former Yankee/Brewer could provide both he and Goodman with some leadership to assist in their development. Sánchez’s defense may be somewhat lacking, but his bat still holds some pop and would be a welcome addition to the lineup on days that Goodman sits out.
Christian Vázquez, meanwhile, is Sánchez’s opposite. The current Minnesota Twin is a glove-first defensive talent that could show Goodman and Romo a few tricks on how to play a strong backstop position. At 35 years old, Vázquez also has experience catching a multitude of different pitchers and would function as a valuable resource for a Colorado pitching staff that’s only getting younger.
1B: Josh Naylor, Paul Goldschmidt
First base is sort of in a state of flux. Michael Toglia’s work over the next few weeks will likely go a long way in determining what his future with this team will be. Without an obvious incumbent available, the Rockies could look to sign one of a couple of veterans that are looking to get back to their previous success.
Both Naylor and Goldschmidt have recorded eye-popping numbers at Coors Field in their careers, and the sky-high stadium could be the perfect place to revitalize their offensive numbers, which have dipped in recent seasons. They’re not likely to set the world on fire, but could act as effective stopgaps before the arrival of Charlie Condon or another such slugging newcomer.
Or, hey, just let KB play there. That might work!
2B: Brendan Rodgers, Gleyber Torres
Thairo Estrada’s inability to stay on the field made his one-year deal a bit of a dud. With Adael Amador likely handling second base duties next season, Colorado’s front office probably doesn’t feel a need to scramble to sign another keystone man for 2026. Still, should the management team deem an acquisition necessary, they could seek a reunion with Brendan Rodgers, whose first season in Houston was derailed thanks to concussion and back issues.
Maybe the Rockies feel confident they could finally unlock the potential they saw in Rodgers when they drafted him in the first round ten years ago? If not, why not give Gleyber Torres a look? The former Yankee is enjoying a nice comeback season with the Tigers, and could look to boost his standing even further with a quick stay at Coors Field. His glovework may not be at All-Star level, but that can be overcome when you’re working with one of the best defensive players in the league in Ezequiel Tovar.
Speaking of…
SS: n/a
I mean, right? Tovar is one of the most valuable players on the Rockies and amongst the best shortstops in the game. There’s no reason to bring on anyone else when you’ve got the cornerstone of your franchise entrenched there.
I mean, unless you want to give Tim Anderson one last shot? Please…?
3B: Yoan Moncada
Speaking of former White Sox that were recently seen trying to rebound with the Angels, we move to Yoán Moncada. Like some of the other names mentioned here today, Moncada is finishing up a season that saw him make headway into reclaiming his former glory. He’s slashing .243/.342/.473 with 12 home runs with LA, numbers that would make him one of the more effective hitters on the current Rockies squad.
While he, too, has his struggles on the defensive end, Moncada’s bat and veteran status could be a boon for the young Rockies that make up so much of the team. If nothing else, he could serve as a decent switch-hitting bench bat and help foster the growth of the fresher faces around him. The 30-year-old Cuban star might turn a one-year “show me” deal into a positive learning experience for both himself and the team as a whole.
Couldn’t hurt to try, right?
On the Farm
Triple-A: Albuquerque Isotopes 21, El Paso Chihuahuas 10
Yeah, you read that right. The Isotopes went ballistic at the plate as they amassed 27 hits en route to a huge win over the Chihuahuas. Aaron Schunk topped the list with five hits, four runs scored, and three RBI, while Sam Hilliard, Keston Hiura, and Ronaiker Palma each recorded four knocks. Every member of Albuquerque’s lineup recorded a hit, and all but one scored at least one run.
Matt Turner got lit up for seven runs in just 2/3 of an inning, but the rest of Albuqerque’s pitching staff performed well, including Xzavion Curry’s five-inning shutout start.
Double-A: Richmond Flying Squirrels 2, Hartford Yard Goats 1
In a completely different type of ballgame, the Yard Goats found themselves on the losing end of a pitcher’s duel as Sean Sullivan’s two allowed runs were enough to lift the Flying Squirrels to victory. Hartford managed one more hit than Richmond, but they couldn’t get the one big hit to tie things up.
Juan Guerrero recorded two hits for the Yard Goats, while Braylen Wimmer knocked in their lone run. Jared Thomas went 0-for-4 with four strikeouts.
For more on the Rockies farm system, check out this week’s Pebble Report.
On the Internet
Rockies’ center fielder Brenton Doyle staying golden through rest, body maintenance | Denver Post ($$)
Doyle’s second half turnaround is a result of elite training in both mind and body.
Rockies Starting Rotation’s ERA Headed for Potential Modern Era MLB Record | Sports Illustrated
Colorado’s rotation issues have been well-documented, and now they’re on the way to making some dubious history.
Whether Colorado Rockies make history or not, change is in the air | Mile High Sports
The Rockies have had one of the most trying seasons in MLB’s long, storied history… will it lead to any changes? And if so, what kind?
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