Colorado Rockies: Ranking the 40-Man Roster: 16-20

Number 18

Jake McGee: Relief Pitcher Points: 106 Highest Rank: 16 Lowest Rank: 21

On paper trading for Jake McGee was the move the Rockies needed to bolster their bullpen. On diamond it was a different story. McGee became the Rays closer towards the end of 2014. He had elbow surgery that offseason and then had surgery for a torn meniscus near the end of 2015.

With the depth the Rockies always seem to have in the outfield, Corey Dickerson became expendable and he was traded for German Marquez at the top of 2016. It seemed like a lot to give up but pitching is always welcome in Colorado.

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Both marquees of the trade had their struggles in 2016. Dickerson had his most productive days in Colorado in 2014 but he improved in 2016 with Tampa Bay from his 2015 performance.

McGee was anything but marquee in 2016. He started the season as closer but went on the DL with left knee inflammation. Carlos Estevez took over as closer and he never really earned back the spot once Adam Ottavino came back from Tommy John surgery.

McGee avoided arbitration this offseason as the Rockies gave him a $5.9 million contract for 2017. That seems a lot for what seems to be no more than a setup man now that Greg Holland is in town and Ottavino is healthy again.

The bullpen was the biggest weakness for the Rockies. No matter when he pitches, having a healthy McGee will be a valuable asset to help this team compete later into the season.