Colorado Rockies: Why first base should be the real free agent focus

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NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 09: Carlos Santana #41 of the Cleveland Indians hits a two run home run scoring Jay Bruce #32 against Luis Severino #40 of the New York Yankees during the fourth inning in Game Four of the American League Divisional Series at Yankee Stadium on October 9, 2017 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

Personal Verdict: After reviewing all three top candidates, I do believe the best, and most valuable of the three to the Colorado Rockies future is Carlos Santana. His plate discipline, postseason experience, defensive glove, and middle of the order bat are what the Rockies need the most.

According to ESPN, in 2017, Colorado finished 9th in Strikeouts (1,408 with 175 coming from Mark Reynolds), Cleveland, had the 2nd fewest (1,153, only 94 provided by Carlos Santana). The same site shows us Cleveland earned the 4th most walks (604, 94 by Santana) and Colorado was the 11th worst, finishing 19th (519).

The addition of a veteran middle of the order bat, with great plate discipline, a solid glove, and postseason leadership will not only provide short term value on offense and defense, but allow for Colorado to keep Ian Desmond in left field, Gerardo Parra in right field, and Charlie Blackmon in center field, where the Rockies speed would be able to eliminate balls in the gaps, preventing runs from scoring due to the lack of speed.

Next: We predict the 3 Rockies who will dramatically improve in 2018

This type of move will help Colorado keep pace with the Dodgers and Diamondbacks, while the Giants and Padres continue their rebuilding efforts.

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