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Diam⚾️ndBuzz: December 26, 2024

Colorado's 2024 Rocky Road

In the crisp, thin air of Colorado's Coors Field, the 2024 Rockies embarked on a journey that was as challenging as the rugged peaks that surround Denver. While the team showed glimpses of promise, it was ultimately a season marked by growing pains, roster overhauls, and an uphill climb toward playoff contention. Let’s take a look back at the 2024 season in Denver, a campaign that, shall we say, didn’t exactly reach the summit.

Offseason Gambles: a quiet winter

The Rockies entered the 2023-2024 offseason with clear objectives: shore up their pitching staff and infuse versatility into their lineup. The acquisitions of Cal Quantrill via trade and the signings of Dakota Hudson and Jacob Stallings were steps toward bolstering the roster. The front office also rolled the dice on utility players like Greg Jones and veterans like Matt Koch and Ty Blach, hoping their experience could stabilize a young, inconsistent core.

The Rockies’ focus on pitching depth was evident in their Rule 5 draft pick of Anthony Molina and the signing of Geoff Hartlieb. However, the effectiveness of these moves would soon be tested by the rigors of a full MLB season.

The Season Unfolds: Promise and Pain

The 2024 campaign began with cautious optimism, fueled by emerging stars like Ezequiel Tovar, who captured a Gold Glove while batting .269 with 26 home runs. His stellar play at shortstop cemented him as a cornerstone of the franchise. Similarly, Brenton Doyle continued his ascent, contributing both at the plate and in the outfield, where his defensive prowess earned him a Gold Glove.

Pitching, as always, was a mixed bag for the Rockies. Austin Gomber and Ryan Feltner emerged as reliable arms, combining for over 320 innings pitched and sub-5.00 ERAs. However, the struggles of Kyle Freeland and a revolving door of relievers—including a midseason trade that sent Nick Mears to Milwaukee—highlighted the ongoing challenges of pitching at altitude.

The lineup was a blend of highs and lows. Veteran Charlie Blackmon, in his final season, delivered a respectable .256 average, offering a steady presence in the clubhouse. Meanwhile, players like Michael Toglia and Ryan McMahon showcased power but lacked the consistency needed to propel the team into playoff contention. Notably absent was the sustained production from offseason acquisitions like Dakota Hudson, whose ERA ballooned to over 6.00, leading to his eventual departure.

Trades and Moves: A Midseason Shake-Up

The Rockies were active at the trade deadline, signaling their intention to prepare for the future. Notable transactions included trading Jalen Beeks for pitching prospect Luis Peralta and dealing Nick Mears for minor-leaguers Yujanyer Herrera and Bradley Blalock. These moves aligned with a broader strategy to stockpile young talent while offloading underperforming players.

The late-season retirement of Charlie Blackmon and the release of players like Jake Cave and Dakota Hudson marked the end of an era and the beginning of a roster reshuffle aimed at fostering a competitive environment for younger players.

Falling Short: Why the Playoffs Eluded the Rockies

The Rockies' failure to contend in 2024 wasn't a surprise to most observers. Several factors contributed to their struggles. The starting rotation, while improved with the addition of Quantrill and the solid performance of Gomber, still lacked the depth and top-end talent needed to compete in the National League West. The offense, while capable of scoring runs at Coors Field, often struggled on the road. And the bullpen, a constant source of frustration in recent years, continued to be inconsistent. Perhaps the biggest factor, however, was the overall talent disparity between the Rockies and the other teams in their division. The Dodgers, Padres, and Giants all boasted significantly more talent and payroll flexibility, making it difficult for the Rockies to keep pace.

The Rockies finished the season with a 72-90 record, well short of playoff contention. The reasons for their struggles were multifaceted:

Inconsistent Pitching: While Gomber and Feltner were bright spots, the rest of the rotation faltered, and the bullpen was unreliable.

Offensive Inconsistency: Beyond Tovar and Doyle, the lineup lacked a consistent middle-of-the-order presence.

Road Woes: As has been the case for years, the Rockies struggled mightily away from Coors Field, with a road record among the worst in the league.

Offseason Moves and the Path Ahead: A Long Road

As the page turns to the next season, the Rockies face a familiar challenge: how to build a competitive team in a difficult division with limited resources. They have already made some moves this offseason, bringing back veteran catcher Jacob Stallings, signing veteran infielder Kyle Farmer and veteran catcher Austin Nola. These moves continue the trend of adding veteran presence and solidifying the catching position. They have also seen some players depart, including Cal Quantrill and Brendan Rodgers who have been granted free agency.

But what else can the Rockies do to improve their chances in 2025 and beyond? Here’s a potential, albeit challenging, blueprint:

1. Develop young pitching: The Rockies' farm system has some promising young pitchers, and their development is crucial to the team's future. The organization needs to focus on developing these arms and giving them opportunities to contribute at the major league level. This is not a quick fix, but it's essential for long-term success.

2. Explore creative trades: Given their limited payroll flexibility, the Rockies need to be creative in the trade market. They should consider trading some of their veteran players for younger, controllable assets. This would help to replenish their farm system and build a more sustainable foundation.

3. Find value in free agency: The Rockies aren't going to be big spenders in free agency, but they can still find value by targeting players on short-term deals or those coming off down years. They need to identify players who fit their ballpark and their organizational philosophy.

4. Embrace the Coors Field factor: Coors Field is a unique environment, and the Rockies need to continue to build a team that is well-suited to playing there. This means prioritizing hitters with power and pitchers who can induce ground balls.

5. Re-evaluate the organizational philosophy: Perhaps the most important step for the Rockies is to re-evaluate their organizational philosophy. They need to decide whether they are truly committed to competing for a championship or if they are content to be a perennial also-ran. If they want to contend, they need to be willing to make some difficult decisions and invest more resources into player development and scouting.

This is a long and arduous process, to be sure. There are no easy answers for the Rockies, and their path to contention is fraught with challenges. But with a clear vision, a well-executed plan, and a bit of luck, they can begin to climb the mountain and compete for a spot among baseball’s elite..

Looking Ahead: Building Momentum

The Rockies are at a crossroads. With a young core led by Tovar, Doyle, and McMahon, the potential is there. However, it will take bold moves and a commitment to long-term planning to rise in the NL West. If they can solidify their pitching staff and add a few impactful bats, the Rockies could transform from a team of promise to a legitimate contender in the years to come.

And so, the Rockies’ story continues, a narrative etched in the majestic backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, a story that, for now, remains a tale of persistent struggle. But as we know, the game of baseball is a game of hope, of renewal, and as the snow falls on Coors Field this winter, the Rockies and their loyal fans can only hope that the next chapter will be one of progress, one of improvement, one that brings them closer to the summit they so desperately seek.

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