Major League Baseball’s winter meetings begin Monday in Nashville. The hot stove could sizzle, especially with No. 1 free agent Shohei Ohtani looking for his next team and a huge contract.
Will there be a blockbuster trade involving Juan Soto or Pete Alonso? Will the Orioles open their wallets and sign a big-name closer? Will the Diamondbacks build on their surprising run to the World Series?
But the Rockies? They tend to be wallflowers at the winter meetings. Perhaps things will be different this year, but don’t expect the Rockies to stoke the hot stove at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center.
Here’s a look at the Rockies’ needs and possible moves at the winter meetings and in the coming months:
Starting pitching: Colorado made a significant trade last month by acquiring right-hander Cal Quantrill in exchange for minor league catching prospect Kody Huff. Coming off a 103-loss season, general manager Bill Schmidt said the Rockies would be “open to everything” to obtain starting pitching. But the Coors Field factor and high costs mean the Rockies won’t be trying to land the likes of free agent Blake Snell. If the Rockies make a move, it’s likely to be an under-the-radar acquisition.
Relief pitching: History tells us that if the Rockies make a free-agent splash, it’ll likely come in the bullpen. Last year, the Rockies signed right-hander Pierce Johnson to a one-year, $5 million deal and he opened the season as the club’s closer. He was traded to Atlanta before the deadline in exchange for pitching prospects Victor Vodnik and Tanner Gordon.
The Rockies’ closer situation remains in flux, with right-handers Justin Lawrence, Tyler Kinley and Daniel Bard (if he can rebound from his terrible 2023 season) the most likely candidates. That’s unless the Rockies sign a free agent or make a trade.
Power bat: The Rockies’ 163 home runs were tied for the fourth-fewest in baseball and their .249 average and .310 on-base percentage were each the lowest in franchise history, while their .405 slugging was better than only the 2022 team (.398). Clearly, the Rockies’ offense needs to improve, but with Kris Bryant making $28 million next season and veteran Charlie Blackmon back for a $13 million payday, it’s doubtful the Rockies will make a big move to add needed oomph to their lineup. They’re counting on young players like outfielder Nolan Jones to continue maturing.
Trade candidates: The player bandied about most often is second baseman Brendan Rodgers, not because the Rockies don’t like the 2022 Gold Glove winner, but because Rodgers is their most valuable trading chip in their quest for a pitcher. Last year, the Rockies had trade talks with the Marlins and Mariners about Rodgers but a deal was never closed.
The two other players the Rockies might consider moving — emphasis on might — are third baseman Ryan McMahon and catcher Elias Diaz, a first-time All-Star last season.
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