The Colorado Rockies are gearing up for another run at the playoffs, and they’ll be looking to their current roster of players to carry them through the season. That roster contains a slew of low-service time players but may have a breakout year this 2023.
Who is ready to step up and be a star for the Rockies? A look at five players who could fit that bill:
Brendan Rodgers
Brendan Rodgers (2B) has a shot at making the All-Star game this season–if he can avoid a repeat of his April struggles. His glovework alone merits serious consideration: since breaking into the league, Rodgers has been one of the best defensive second basemen in baseball, earning himself a Gold Glove award last year.
However, for him to make it onto any list of breakout players in 2023, he’ll need to show improved consistency at the plate from start to finish. Though there is plenty of reason to believe that Rodgers could be an All-Star caliber player this year, his past performance serves as a reminder to temper expectations and keep an eye on how he fares out of the gates in April.
Ezequiel Tovar
Ezequiel Tovar (SS) is set to make his debut with the Rockies this season, and the team has high hopes that by allowing him time to develop and grow in experience, he will become a dynamic force in the lineup. His defensive capabilities have been praised as some of the best seen from a Rockies’ prospect since Trevor Story debuted in 2016;
Even when the effects of injuries limited Tovar’s performance last year, he still managed to show flashes of greatness. With an expected comeback from injury and continued development at the major league level, it’s likely that we’ll see highlight-worthy plays from Tovar on a nightly basis this season. The Rockies believe that he can swim, and they’re eager to find out exactly how deep he can go.
Nolan Jones
Nolan Jones (INF/OF) has been provided an exciting opportunity this season with the Rockies, as one of only three left-handed bats on the 40-man roster. Despite having fewer than 100 major league at-bats, this will hopefully mark a turning point for him in his career.
As a former top prospect of the Guardians, he is already well on his way, and joining this new team could be just what Jones needs to push himself forward faster in 2023.
Justin Lawrence
Justin Lawrence( RHP) is ready to take the next step. In 2021 he demonstrated a high level of skill by consistently showing an impeccable lower arm slot and delivering a wicked sinker-slider combo to opponents. Last year he achieved his first save against a formidable Dodger team, and this season the Rockies will be calling on him again in high-stakes situations as they look for him to make significant contributions on the diamond.
Ryan Feltner showed great potential as he worked his way up to the majors in 2022. He adjusted quickly, embracing every new challenge with enthusiasm and eagerness. His ability to analyze and adjust on the fly was evident throughout the season, making dynamic changes like changing his slider mid-season and even putting ice on his hands in between innings to help with circulation.
With Ryan’s talent, he could become the reliable member of the Rockies pitching staff that they need for 2023, and it looks like he has all the tools necessary to make this happen.
The Colorado Rockies hope that the combination of young and experienced talent, both returning and brand new, will be enough to compete for a playoff spot in 2023. Depending on how the management will utilize these prospects, one or more of them could become breakout stars this season and help lead the team to success.