Colorado Rockies: 3 players who will improve dramatically in 2018

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DENVER, CO – SEPTEMBER 18: David Dahl #26 of the Colorado Rockies stands in the on-deck circle during a regular season MLB game between the Colorado Rockies and the visiting San Diego Padres at Coors Field on September 18, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Russell Lansford/Getty Images) /

David Dahl

Outfielder

Last season: Did not play in MLB

Career stats: .315/.359/.859, 7 home runs, 24 RBI, 5 stolen bases

One of the biggest blows suffered by the Rockies last season happened when David Dahl was hurt in spring training. What was thought to be a rib injury that could keep him out for a few games turned into an injury that shut him out of any Major League time last year.

Much like Gray’s injury, Dahl’s rib issues allowed Gerardo Parra to grab the starting left field spot. Parra flourished in 2017 after struggling mightily in 2016. It also adjusted Colorado’s outfield depth and would eventually result in more big league time for Raimel Tapia and even the Major League debut of Mike Tauchman.

It was a lost season for Dahl, who made such an impact on the Rockies in just 222 at-bats in 2016. Much was expected of him in 2017 … but it never happened because of the injury. Those same high hopes and expectations will easily transfer over to the 2018 season when Dahl could once again possibly step into a starting role with a strong spring.

With the contract status of Carlos Gonzalez up in the air, Parra could conceivably move over to right in 2018 while Dahl takes over in left and Blackmon holds down the fort in center.

Next: The contracts with the biggest impact on the 2018 Rockies

A returning Dahl could certainly boost Colorado’s offense and allow Ian Desmond to take over first base on a full-time basis.

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