Rockies enter 2024 with renewed trust in young core

This story was excerpted from Thomas Harding’s Rockies Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

The Rockies are showing they are serious about building around homegrown talent and young players next season.

By August of this past campaign, Colorado had turned most of its lineup and key pitching responsibilities over to the youngsters, and the team isn’t much different now than it was then.

Other than the offseason acquisitions of righty starter Cal Quantrill -- in a trade with the Guardians -- and lefty reliever Jalen Beeks -- off waivers from the Rays -- the Rockies look poised to roll out a similar roster to the one that endured the end of a 103-loss campaign in 2023. That means those same young players are being trusted in '24, tasked with demonstrating what they have learned.

There are a few veteran guardrails. The Rockies signed an extension with veteran outfielder/designated hitter/clubhouse leader Charlie Blackmon that will bring him back for his 14th season, and they hope Kris Bryant will be healthier in the third season of his seven-year, $182 million contract after battling injuries in 2022 and '23. Colorado has also expressed faith in mid-career lineup pieces such as Elias Díaz, Ryan McMahon and Brendan Rodgers.

Still, 2024 will bring important next steps for several prospects.

Shortstop Ezequiel Tovar, outfielders Nolan Jones and Brenton Doyle, corner infielder Elehuris Montero and infielder/outfielder Michael Toglia all received extended looks in the Majors in 2023. Utility man Hunter Goodman and outfielder Sean Bouchard also saw time with the Rockies last season.

Exciting names such as infielder Adael Amador (Rockies No. 1 prospect, per MLB Pipeline), outfielders Yanquiel Fernandez (No. 2), Jordan Beck (No. 4), Zac Veen (No. 5) and Benny Montgomery (No. 8), infielder/outfielder Sterlin Thompson (No. 6), catcher Drew Romo (No. 9) and third baseman Warming Bernabel (No. 10) all could begin 2024 at Double-A Hartford, with a clear path to the big leagues.

So, while there has been little in the way of new players added over this offseason, the Rockies may take on a completely different look as the season progresses.

Biggest question to answer before Spring Training
How will the Rockies add experience to the rotation?

As the calendar year wound down, Colorado was kicking the tires with teams in hopes of trading for a proven starting pitcher. With Germán Márquez out until the second half and Antonio Senzatela uncertain to return in 2024 (both underwent Tommy John surgery), Quantrill and lefties Kyle Freeland and Austin Gomber are the only veterans. Righties Peter Lambert, Ryan Feltner and Noah Davis have a total of 69 starts among them.

The Rockies have re-signed lefty Ty Blach and picked up righty Geoff Hartlieb under Minor League deals, and they will be looking for similar veterans to bring into the fold.

One player poised to have a breakout season
OF Nolan Jones

Can one player have two breakout seasons? From his call-up in late May through Aug. 2, Jones was batting .269 with nine home runs -- solid rookie figures. But from Aug. 4 through the end of the season, Jones sizzled at .321 with a 1.019 OPS and 11 homers, becoming a late factor in the National League Rookie of the Year race.

The difference? Jones started crushing the type of early-count pitches he barely swung at when he first arrived. He also corrected an issue with missing pitches in the strike zone. What will Jones do with greater knowledge next year?

Prospect to watch in 2024
INF Adael Amador

A switch-hitting middle infielder, Amador turned a dominant High-A campaign into a promotion to Double-A, but he was slowed down by a hamate bone injury in his right hand sustained in July.

A healthy Amador, who is seen as a second baseman but has functioned quite well at shortstop, is on the fast track. He’ll begin the year with Hartford, but he will be given every chance to force his way into the Major League club.

One prediction for the new year
Tovar will become a candidate for the NL All-Star Team and the NL Gold Glove Award.

As a rookie in 2023, Tovar took charge of the infield while putting together a solid final two months offensively. He hit 15 homers and stole 11 bases last season while learning on the job, and his fielding made him a finalist for a Gold Glove. Great defense paired with his power-speed combination should make him a legitimate threat.