By Jordan Long
The Colorado Rockies finished the 2019 season at a disappointing 71-91. Colorado is looking to improve that record in 2020. Hopefully, they will start their push to improve during free agency. Most of the contracts will be signed during the Winter Meetings in Las Vegas starting on December 9th. Colorado has decisions to make.
Colorado decided not to renew pitcher Chad Bettis’ contract allowing him to be a free agent. They lost third baseman Pat Valaika and pitcher Tyler Anderson who were claimed off of waivers. Valaika went to Baltimore while Anderson was picked up by the San Francisco Giants.
There are rumors Colorado may trade Charlie Blackmon. Blackmon had an improved year at the plate from 2018, hitting .314 with 86 RBI’s and 32 home runs. On defense, it was his 1st time playing fulltime at right field. Blackmon had the strong arm to throw baserunners advancing with 5 outfield assists but had 4 errors.
Those are not horrible numbers by Blackmon. It is his contract they may try to move. He is owed $21 million each year for the next 3 years and $10 million in 2023 before he hits free agency in 2024. Colorado knows how valuable Blackmon is, but moving his contract will free up space. Colorado may not deal him because that may send a message to shortstop Nolan Arenado that the Rockies are rebuilding.
Looking at free agency, Colorado primarily needs to address pitching. Colorado’s team pitching ERA was second to last in all of MLB at 5.56. The only team worse was the Baltimore Orioles at 5.59. Colorado starters ended dead last in MLB with an ERA of 5.87. Starters couldn’t go deep in games and the bullpen tried to save them. The bullpen wasn’t much better with an ERA of 5.14 but they ended up being overworked.
Colorado should look at starting pitching in free agency. In the past they haven’t spent money on the starting pitching but they need to. There are plenty of pitchers out there for them to try to sign. These include Cole Hamels and Iván Nova.
Hamels didn’t have his best year for the Chicago Cubs. He was 7-7 with an ERA of 3.81. The Cubs decided to let him test free agency. He could be a 3rd or 4th pitcher for the Rockies in 2020. Hamels isn’t the ace he once was but could help the pitching staff.
Hamels may not want to come to Colorado. He intends to be on a team who could win a pennant. Colorado is not close right now plus he may want a contract between $15 to $20 million a year, too much for Colorado to spend.
Nova makes more sense than Hamels. His record was 11-12 with an ERA of 4.72 for the Chicago White Sox. He is able to strike batters out with 114. The problem with him is the pitching location. He takes risks and throws the ball in the middle of the zone. Those are often home runs. He gave up 30 this past season. Nova won’t demand as much money as Hamels. He was paid $8.5 million by the Chicago White Sox this past year. That is in the ballpark of what Colorado might want to spend.
Colorado Rockies’ General Manager Jeff Bridich will do what is best for the team. Bridich knows improving the ball club starts with the pitching. He must address this position during free agency. Bridich should find the right pitchers he feels that are a fit for the team. He will not throw money at “big name” pitchers just for them to come to Colorado. If Bridich doesn’t improve the starting pitching, it could be a long season for the Rockies in 2020.
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