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DENVER -- Behind the Rockies are six straight losing seasons, two with more than 100 losses, but not everything about the youth movement is painful.

Shortstop Ezequiel Tovar's two-way credentials over his first two full Major League seasons -- with the 2024 National League Gold Glove headed to his defensive trophy case and some solid offensive numbers on his stat sheet -- justify the local notion that he is one of the game’s best young players.

Center fielder Brenton Doyle has two Gold Glove Awards, and last season made improvements offensively from 2023 to 2024 -- with increases in batting average, home runs and stolen bases.

Also, veteran pitchers who were keys to postseason trips in 2017 and 2018, but went through years of slumps and injuries are expected to be healthy in 2025, and the steady buildup of young pitching through the Draft and trades is about to show its face at the Major League level.

All this does not mean the Rockies will be expected to contend in 2025 -- not with a tight budget, still-significant production deficits and the World Series champion Dodgers and the ambitious Padres not showing signs of slowing. But there is a sense that the Rockies could move forward.

Here is a look at several ideas going into the new season.

One (realistic) FA target who would still be a perfect fit: RHP Roki Sasaki

The team’s agreement with second baseman Thairo Estrada for one year and a $4 million guarantee, plus a 2026 mutual option, put the roster at 40. Odds are against the Rockies spending any more free-agent dollars. But why not swing for Sasaki?

His agent, Joel Wolfe, said his client is not necessarily wed to teams with Japanese teammates, location isn’t a priority and he might want to play in a smaller market to reduce the media glare. Plus, the Rockies have a healthy amount of international signing bonus money and don’t have to use a 40-man roster spot. Wolfe said it’s possible Sasaki has a “trailblazer” in him, so …

One player poised to have a breakout season: SS Ezequiel Tovar

Tovar earned his first Gold Glove, finished first in the National League in doubles (45) and second in extra-base hits (75) and led the Rockies in home runs (26). Yet, Tovar, 23, is only scratching his potential.

He finished last season second in the NL with 200 strikeouts. Tovar improved his OPS from .695 in his rookie year of 2023 to .764 last season, and incremental improvement in the chase and strikeout rates could earn him star status. Another breakout candidate: RHP Ryan Feltner (2.98 ERA over his last 15 starts).

One prediction for the new year: The Rockies will get even younger

After being young in 2024, the Rockies will be even younger. By the July Trade Deadline, the club could regularly field a lineup with just third baseman Ryan McMahon and right fielder/designated hitter Kris Bryant as old as 30, and three players on days when 35-year-old Jacob Stallings catches.

The bullpen turned young last year, and this could be the year for youth to take over the rotation. Prospects such as 2023 top pick Chase Dollander (Rockies No. 2/MLB Pipeline No. 20 overall), Sean Sullivan (Rockies No. 10) and Carson Palmquist (Rockies No. 14) should get a look this Spring Training. Additionally, 2022 top pick Gabriel Hughes (Rockies No. 22 after missing 2024 with Tommy John surgery) could quickly pitch his way onto the radar.