As temperatures continue to dip, let thoughts of spring warm you because the start of the 2023 MLB season draws closer. The Colorado Rockies are looking to bounce back after a disappointing season that saw them finish last in the NL West. The Rockies didn’t have an easy path to the playoffs, as the NL West produced more wins than any division in the National League and was home to the MLB wins-leading Los Angeles Dodgers.
A major factor in the Rockies poor showing in 2022 was due to the lackluster pitching in all of MLB, with the team sporting a bloated 5.07 ERA. Team struggles aside, two players found individual success: C.J. Cron was named to his first All-Star game, and 2015 top pick Brendan Rodgers won his first Golden Glove.
Oddsmakers don’t seem to have much faith in the Rockies to do any better, and the team is currently sitting with the fourth-worst odds to win this season’s World’s Series. Fans inclined to be optimistic will be happy to learn that someone has predicted the Rockies to win their first division title in team history. However, it’s via a virtual marble race on Reddit. With that, hope springs eternal and let’s look forward to the 2023 season.
Look Who’s Back
For better or worse, things in the front office and dugout will look much the same as the last few seasons. Bill Schmidt returns for his second full season as team general manager. Meanwhile, Bud Black will return for his seventh season helming the club on the field.
Offseason Moves… or Lack Thereof
With major free-agent players like Aaron Judge, Trea Turner, and Jacob deGrom off the board and signing with other teams, fans might feel a bit underwhelmed with the Rockies lack of offseason moves. Especially compared to the fireworks generated after signing former NL MVP and World Series Champion Kris Bryant last season.
Key Players Leaving Mile High
The Rockies league-worst bullpen will be losing one of the lone bright spots of the unit with Carlos Estévez departing for the Los Angeles Angels. The Rockies reportedly put up a spirited effort to keep Estévez, but ultimately lost out his services as Daniel Bard is fully entrenched as the team’s closer.
Signs for Hope
The pitching woes of 2022 can’t possibly get any worse with the club already being in last place. The only way for the Rockies to go is up, as young starters like Peter Lambert and Ryan Feltner should show improvement.
Offense wasn’t a problem in 2022 as the Rockies finished in the top ten in most batting statistics including first in triples, and third in hits, RBIs, and team batting average. All that production came with slugger Kris Bryant missing over 100 games due to injury.
Closer Daniel Bard’s 1.79 ERA and 34 saves means he is once again among the league’s best closers. With C.J. Cron continuing his all-star level play and Brendan Rodgers on the cusp of being an all-star, the Rockies are primed to climb out of the NL West basement and make some noise in 2023.
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