Colorado Rockies: Six Players, Six Key Free Agency Questions

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Jun 29, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies first baseman Daniel Descalso (3) hits a single RBI in the fourth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Free Agent #6 – Daniel Descalso

Contract just completed: 2 year/$3.6 million

Was there a more versatile player for the Rockies last season than Daniel Descalso? If so, you’d be hard-pressed to find him.

Last season, Descalso played all four infield positions plus seven games in left field (his first-ever time in that position) and designated hitter. Whatever the Rockies seemed to need last season, Descalso filled the need. And he did it well, batting .264 with eight homers and 38 RBI in 250 at-bats.

Descalso, who just turned 30, hit .343 before the All-Star break but just .233 after it. Of note, 180 of his 250 at-bats came after the All-Star Game, mostly out of necessity with Trevor Story’s season-ending injury.

One might look at his second-half numbers and wonder why Descalso is the only person on this list who we think will still be with the Rockies in 2017. It’s simply because of his versatility and the fact that he shouldn’t be counted upon to be an everyday player as he was late in the 2016 season. He’s a great guy to plug in when a Story, DJ LeMahieu or Nolan Arenado needs a day off.

Another element that Descalso brings to the team is that he’s been a part of a World Series winning team (the St. Louis Cardinals in 2011). If the Rockies are serious about making a deep push into the postseason next season, having a guy who has “been there and done that” on the roster is important.

Next: The 5 Biggest Moments of Colorado's 2016 Season

For the money, the versatility and the experience, we say Descalso is back in Colorado in 2017.

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