Rockies looking to make some noise in 2023

The Rockies needed the late-spring signing of switch-hitting left fielder and leadoff man Jurickson Profar.

Surgeries have robbed them of second baseman Brendan Rodgers (left shoulder), lefty setup man Lucas Gilbreath (left elbow), outfielder Sean Bouchard (left distal biceps tear), starting pitcher Antonio Senzatela (left ACL) and outfielder Randal Grichuk (bilateral sports hernia).

A team challenged with depth didn’t need the injures to hit as soon as camp began. But Profar fills multiple weaknesses in the lineup and improves the club's depth.

The focus of Spring Training was less on today and more on the future. Ezequiel Tovar is the shortstop of now, while outfielders Brenton Doyle and Zac Veen, as well as catcher Drew Romo, are among the prospects who could be in Denver this season. But how do the Rockies go about making 2023 more than merely a year to pass the time until an improving farm system produces a wave of regulars?

What needs to go right?
Let’s start with what didn’t go right during Spring Training. The Rockies could use better health, especially from Kris Bryant, whose back and foot injuries limited him to 42 games last year -- the start of his $182 million, seven-year contract. Bryant moved to right field, which is no picnic but requires less range than left at Coors, and hit with power this spring.

The top two pitchers in the rotation, Germán Márquez and Kyle Freeland, must eliminate the rough patches both went through last year. And the rotation must stay healthy.

Profar improves the lineup, which means less pressure on some players who put too much on themselves last year -- infielder Ryan McMahon and catcher Elias Díaz from the beginning, plus first baseman C.J. Cron and designated hitter Charlie Blackmon in the second half.

The Rockies also could use a repeat performance from closer Daniel Bard, who pitched well enough last year to earn a two-year, $19 million contract.

Great unknown
Third baseman Elehuris Montero, part of the return in the trade that sent Nolan Arenado the Cardinals, hit for power his entire time in the Rockies’ system. Called up for the first time last year, pitchers took advantage of his eagerness by getting him to chase breaking balls and by exploiting some timing inefficiencies. As Spring Training progressed, Montero made major strides in controlling the strike zone. Can he translate that approach to the regular season to become a force offensively, all while making progress defensively?

Team MVP will be ... Kris Bryant
Bryant’s track record, combined with the chance to bat frequently at Coors, suggests a turnaround is possible. His name doesn’t come up immediately, but if he provides what the Rockies expected when he signed, he is a Comeback Player of the Year candidate.

Team Cy Young will be ... Kyle Freeland
Freeland began last season still in negotiations for his five-year, $64 million contract and started slowly. Participating in the World Baseball Classic this year allowed Freeland to ramp up early and carry the momentum into the season.

Bold prediction: The Rockies will have a Rookie of the Year candidate
Tovar entered camp with much fanfare and played like a veteran, not like someone whose head was turned by expectations. There might be some offensive struggles, simply because 21-year-olds have them, but expect Tovar to be a prime candidate for National League Rookie of the Year.