Rodgers quiets the noise, focuses on present with Rockies

February 16th, 2024

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.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Rockies second baseman Brendan Rodgers’ career has taught him to be a here-and-now kinda guy.

Nagging leg muscle injuries repeatedly interrupted Rodgers’ career in the Minors and early in the Majors, so strength, endurance and flexibility have become a daily focus for him.

Rodgers underwent right shoulder surgery in 2019, won a Gold Glove in 2022 and then missed most of last season because of a freakish injury to his left shoulder early in Spring Training. At first glance this spring, it looks as if his shoulders are as regular a project as his legs.

He is just as step-by-step with his contract. In his second year of arbitration eligibility, Rodgers quickly came to a one-year, $3.2 million agreement -- with no fuss and no attention to 2025, his final arbitration year.

But even Rodgers, 27, can’t help but entertain dreamy possibilities just a few months down the road, should he stay healthy and even out his offensive performance.

In 2021, Rodgers flashed some power potential with 15 homers -- but he went against type by knocking 12 on the road. In ‘22, he overcame a tough April and finished with a .266 average and 13 homers. However, all but three homers that season came at Coors. Consistency, by definition, is a daily endeavor. But there’s nothing wrong with thinking about what could happen if he does pull it together.

“I want to have a good start -- have some quality at-bats this spring and come out swinging the bat hot early, then there are things in the picture,” said Rodgers, who hit .258 with four homers and 20 RBIs in 46 games last year after returning from injury. “After winning a Gold Glove in ‘22, the next step would be an All-Star Game. Then, obviously, the playoffs. If I can stay healthy and be consistent at the plate and on defense, I think it’ll all work out.

“But I try not to get too far ahead of myself. I try to take it day by day, stick with the routine. The goal is to get at-bats, play in the games, stay healthy and help the team win as many games as possible.”

Rodgers’ natural tendency to not look too far ahead could serve him well this season.

Prospects are on the horizon, and another season like last year’s 59-103 finish could have the Rockies seeking more emerging players. If performing well, Rodgers -- with a year of arbitration remaining -- could be desired by a team seeking help at second base at the Trade Deadline. Already, the club is transitioning its No. 1 prospect, switch-hitting Adael Amador, from shortstop to second base, and a solid performance last year has made Julio Carreras a candidate for Major League duty. Neither player is ready, but either could knock on the door as the season progresses.

“I try not to get ahead and think about the future too much,” Rodgers said. “You’ve got to set goals for yourself and hold yourself accountable. At the moment, nothing like [a trade] has crossed my mind. I just want to help the team win, and stay healthy.”