Colorado Rockies: a look at the outfield as it stands

Going forward to 2018, if the outfield looks as it currently is, it would be a different look for the Colorado Rockies than they have had recently.

Taking a look at the Colorado Rockies depth chart, something just doesn’t seem right. It feels as if something is missing. Well, that missing component is Carlos Gonzalez, and it will undoubtedly feel a little weird not having number 5 in the outfield as this season begins.

But, luckily for Colorado, they still have a great mixture of youth and talented veterans that are ready to go this year in the outfield. Let’s take a more in-depth look at said outfield as Winter Meetings have come to a close.

The Leader

First, you can’t have a discussion about this Rockies outfield without starting with Charlie Blackmon. One of the best players in baseball, Blackmon has everything a manager could ask for out of a center fielder.

Last year, Blackmon had career best’s in batting average, home runs, and RBI. He was nothing but exceptional last year for Colorado, and his value for this team cannot be quantified not to mention his ability to cover great distances on defense. That is something that’s key playing half your games in a ballpark with a spacious outfield like Coors Field.

Corner Outfielders

On the corners, more than likely it will be Ian Desmond and Gerardo Parra. Both guys dealt with injury issues last year, and if they can stay healthy throughout the course of this season, they make the Rockies outfield one of the best in baseball.

Both guys brought valued assets to the team last year, and they will be expected to do the same this year. For Parra, he came through big last year with his .309 batting average that seemed to come from nowhere. Desmond, on the other hand, brought speed on the bases, which was something Colorado lacked last year. He had 15 of the team’s 59 stolen bases in 2017 (he and Blackmon had 29 of the 59).

Depth on the Bench

As it stands right now, the other three outfielders will be Raimel Tapia, Mike Tauchman, and David Dahl.

Starting with Tapia, he brings tremendous upside, and has unbelievable potential. He earned his way on the roster last year as he tore through AAA pitching with a .369/.397/.529 slashline in 58 games with Albuquerque. If he can limit his strikeouts (and possibly modify his fascinating 2 strike approach), he will definitely be a strong piece for Colorado this season.

Looking at Mike Tauchman, his major league sample size is still a little too small, and he is a wildcard heading into this season.

Lastly, you could also call him a wildcard, David Dahl. Dahl looked like a future star in his time in 2016, but injury issues have kept him away from the game for a while. We will see how he comes back this season.

Final Thoughts

The vacancy at first base could ultimately be filled by Desmond if the Rockies don’t decide to get an external option to fill it at first base. If that happens, one of those three bench options may get a chance to make a name for themselves as this year opens up.

Next: An outfielder that the Rockies could be interested in is Lorenzo Cain

However, the outfield situation could get even more interesting if they address both first base and the outfield externally.

Home/Colorado Rockies News