The Rockies are projected to have another subpar season and finished 5th place in the NL West 2023. They are listed at DraftKings Colorado as +18000 to win in their Division and +20000 to be the NL Champions. Furthermore, they have the second to the lowest odds of winning the World Series this year, +40000.
Colorado Rockies Form
With a payroll of $163 million, it’s hard to see where the money is going. The top earner is Kris Bryant, who is being paid $28 million, but the team is hoping for more than the five home runs he hit in just 42 games last year. Germán Márquez is in the final year of his contract and earning $15.3 million. Charlie Blackmon and Kyle Freeland will make $15 million and $10.1 million respectively. However, these four players combined for just 4.6 bWAR last year.
Colorado’s hitting was slightly above average, ranking 10th in the league by bWAR. The problem was their pitching, which ranked 12th in the league. They had a winning record at home but were the worst team in the National League on the road. Unfortunately, this year doesn’t look to be much different.
The Rockies have developed most position players in-house. Two-thirds of the expected starting nine are Colorado originals. However, the team’s pitching is projected to be the worst in the league by Fangraphs, with an ERA half a run worse than anyone else. This will put more stress on their bullpen, which ranks 24th. The team is also lacking at catcher, first base, and right field.
Despite all of this, owner Dick Montfort believes that “a lot of good things are going to happen” and that they can play .500 ball this year. However, he may be the only one who thinks so. With a weak roster and poor projections, it’s hard to see how the Rockies will be anything but a bottom-feeder in the 2023 NHL season.
The Future of the Rockies
While the Colorado Rockies may face some challenges heading into the 2023 season, there are still reasons for fans to feel hopeful. Two prospects, Ezequiel Tovar and Warming Bernabel offer youthful optimism on the left-hand side of the infield. Tovar is ranked the #27 prospect across all baseball and is expected to play at shortstop, while Bernabel will take on third-base duties.
Outfielder Zac Veen ranked #23 overall, may also join the team at some point in the season. Though the Rockies’ farm system ranks 12th overall, the team has a strong tradition of developing position players in-house.
While the Rockies’ weaknesses in pitching and certain positions may be concerning, Coors Field remains one of the most beautiful parks to watch a game. And with a strong fan base, ownership will be incentivized to continue improving the team’s performance.
While the Rockies may face a tough road in the 2023 season, there are reasons to feel optimistic about the team’s future. With young prospects waiting in the wings and a devoted fan base, the Rockies have a solid foundation to build on in the coming years.