Colorado Rockies: Four Options for First Base in 2017

Aug 21, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; General view of the Colorado Rockies gear in the dugout during the eighth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Coors Field. The Rockies defeated the Cubs 11-4. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

One of the biggest questions facing the Colorado Rockies in the offseason is how the team will fill a big need in the lineup at first base.

Looking at the projected 2017 lineup, every position is in place except for first base. After a flurry of activity at first base last season, the Rockies are hoping to find some continuity there next season.

Mark Reynolds played a major role for the Rockies at first base last season, putting together a decent season at the plate and a surprising campaign defensively. The 33-year-old slugger played in 118 games, batting .282 with 14 homers and 53 RBI. He also hit the first walk-off homer of his career before being lost for an extended period with a broken hamate bone.

When Reynolds wasn’t at the corner, plenty of other Rockies were trying to fill his shoes. Ben Paulsen, Daniel Descalso, Ryan Raburn, Gerardo Parra, Stephen Cardullo and Jordan Patterson all took their turns at first base last season when Reynolds wasn’t in the lineup.

Now, Reynolds is a free agent and it’s a question mark whether the Rockies will re-sign him or not. So what options do the Rockies have at first base? Let’s check out four possibilities.

One of the biggest questions facing the Colorado Rockies in the offseason is how the team will fill a big need in the lineup at first base.

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