The 100 Greatest Colorado Rockies: No. 44 Corey Dickerson

We continue our look at the top 100 Colorado Rockies of all time in this article. Here, we look at No. 44 on our list, Corey Dickerson.

In the history of the Rockies organization, it is difficult to think of a time when the outfield struggled with depth. Some of the best Rockies came from the outfield. Corey Dickerson is no exception.

The problem is and will continue to be depth in quality starting and relief pitching. If this wasn’t the constant dynamic of the organization, Dickerson would still be suiting up for Colorado.

Dickerson wasn’t a standout player when the Rockies drafted him in the eighth round of the 2010 MLB draft. He was drafted twice by the Rockies. That doesn’t mean he wasn’t a good player. He just was under the radar at Meridian Community College in Mississippi. 

He reached the majors in 2013 playing in 69 games with a .263 batting average with a .316 OBP. He positioned himself well to be a reliable everyday outfielder his first full season in the big leagues.

More from Rox Pile

• A Colorado Rockies Thanksgiving
• Colorado Rockies: What if Todd Helton had played football instead?
• Colorado Rockies: Charlie Blackmon out for the season
• Colorado Rockies: Injuries shift look of roster ahead of Dodgers series
• Colorado Rockies: Has Sean Bouchard earned a second look in 2023?

The 2014 season was the best of Dickerson’s career appearing in 131 games. His .312 batting average, .364 OBP, and 24 homers, at least with his bat he looked like the face of the  young future the Rockies were trying to build. Dickerson seemed to be able to hold down the left field corner while Charlie Blackmon was taking over incredibly well after the departure of Dexter Fowler. Dickerson had a 3.4 WAR that season. The future seemed in tact.

Then 2015 happened. While diving for a ball, he broke two ribs. He struggled to get back to a place where he was playing everyday. He was limited to 65 games and that offseason uncertainty was in the air. What could Dickerson give going forward?

The answer was a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays. The Rockies received Jake McGee and German Marquez for Dickerson. So far the trade has been pretty even for both teams. Dickerson struggled to bat for average hitting .245 but he did belt 24 homers, matching his career high.

McGee struggled with injuries and a lack of consistency in 2016. Marquez debuted late in 2016 and has showed promise this Spring Training with odds to make start out of the bullpen in 2017.

Next: Colorado Rockies: 5 Bold Predictions for the 2017 Season

Our companion site, Rays Colored Glasses, sees Dickerson as a possible leadoff hitter for the Rays. Dickerson seems to be finding his way in Tampa Bay. Having considerable depth in the outfield is always a good problem to have. Unfortunately that led to the departure of another standout Rockies outfielder.