More to come from Stallings in '25 after his strong '24?

DETROIT – All discussions about Rockies veteran catcher Jacob Stallings begin with his pitch-calling, even if the subject is legitimately something else -- like the two key doubles he delivered in Thursday’s 4-2 victory over the Tigers.

“Yeah, and a great job behind the plate,” manager Bud Black said when asked about the hits.

Rookie Seth Halvorsen, after saying a baseball from his first career win -- courtesy of a hard-throwing, no-fuss eighth inning -- would go into his father’s extensive collection of key moments, described Stallings’ influence.

“Obviously, just the experience and ability that he has makes it great to be able to throw to him,” Halvorsen said.

How about starter Ryan Feltner? Although he finished with a no-decision, it was his second impressive start on the Rockies’ 4-5 road trip. Feltner -- who gave up just three hits in 5 2/3 innings in the series finale -- said working with Stallings lessens his tendency to overthink in key areas, such as sequencing pitches.

“I would like to point out that the only times I’ve given up runs the past two games have been pitches that I’ve shaken [off of],” Feltner said. “In Milwaukee, it was a slider to a righty, down the first-base line. Today, it was the [Spencer] Torkleson curveball [a two-run double in the fourth].”

But, for all the praise of his back-stop abilities, Stallings won this one with his bat.

Stallings’ one-out double off reliever Brenan Hanifee in the seventh inning set up Charlie Blackmon’s game-tying infield single. In the top of the ninth, after Brendan Rodgers’ single off Jason Foley, Stallings’ hit to right field took a bounce that eluded Matt Vierling and became the go-ahead RBI double. Nolan Jones replaced Stallings as a pinch-hitter and scored on Jake Cave’s sacrifice fly.

Stallings is batting .260 with eight home runs and 34 RBIs in 74 games this season -- a dramatic improvement from last year with the Marlins, when he hit .191 with three homers and 20 RBIs in 88 games. Others are quick to compliment the rest of Stallings’ game. The 34-year-old, who entered Thursday 1-for-7 on the road trip, has learned to give his own hitting the same grace.

“I feel pretty good,” Stallings said. “Even on days that I go 0-for-4, I try to keep perspective: ‘Did I execute my plan? Did the pitcher just make good pitches on me?’ I’ve been a little nicer to myself in that regard, not so hard on myself.

“It’s easier when you’re getting results. My execution has been good all year. There have been some days where the pitcher just beats me or I’ve beat myself, but overall I’ve been really consistent.”

Will Stallings continue the two-way growth in a Rockies uniform? Logic suggests so.

The Rockies went bargain hunting for an experienced backstop to share time with 2023 All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Elias Díaz. Stallings, who won a Gold Glove with the Pirates in 2021 but was looking to regain his footing, signed for $1.5 million this year. There is a mutual option for a $1.5 million salary next year, or a $500,000 buyout. The contract is structured so there is room for further negotiation at the end of the season.

The Rockies released Díaz in August to clear room for the club’s No. 8 prospect Drew Romo. Colorado also recalled Hunter Goodman, who is primarily a catcher -- although he started in right field on Thursday.

One roster scenario for 2025 is Romo and Goodman competing for one spot, with a veteran holding the other. Stallings doesn’t mind sharing a clubhouse with both on the September expanded roster.

“It’s just helping them understand that the struggles of the big leagues are going to come, whether it’s behind the plate or at the plate, and the guys who are most consistent are most consistent mentally,” Stallings said. “Just be nice to yourself. The game is so much faster up here, especially for a catcher.

“When I first got called up I was completely overwhelmed. It was Sunday Night Baseball, Wrigley Field against the Cubs, and they were World Series winners. I had no idea what I was doing. I was 26. They’re 23 and 24 [years old] -- and Romo just turned 23.”

Another could be to bring in another veteran to pair with Stallings. Either way, Stallings has a solid two-way year on his baseball card.

“I’ve loved my time here -- the coaches, front office, everybody has been so good to me and helped me feel really confident in myself,” Stallings said. “Those guys gave me a chance this year when I wasn’t sure [that] I was going to get a big league deal.”