Colorado Rockies 2018 Pitching Situation: The Starters

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As the offseason winds down, the time nears for pitchers and catchers to report it’s time to discuss business. With the smell of fresh cut grass and hot dogs approaching, it’s time to get serious about baseball again. With that, we have to talk about the Colorado Rockies pitching rotation.

Even though as of right now it doesn’t seem so sure that the Rockies will be getting a veteran starter, there is plenty of hope for this rotation. Rockies general manager Jeff Bridich and the front office came through for the bullpen by signing relievers Bryan Shaw and Jake McGee. However, we will save that for another time. Today, let’s go ahead and take a look at the starting rotation.

1. Jon Gray

DENVER, CO – JULY 19: Starting pitcher Jon Gray. Photo courtesy of Getty Images. /

There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that Jon Gray is the ace of the Rockies. He put up solid numbers last season with 10 wins,112 strikeouts, and a 3.67 ERA in 20 starts. In his final 14 starts, he went 8-3 with a 2.88 ERA.

By the time Spring Training rolls around, Rockies pitching coach Steve Foster will be able to ground him. As the NL West rapidly becomes a competitive division he’ll have to go against other aces like Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke.

Along with being an ace comes the important role of starting in postseason games. We’ve all seen what happened last year and no one wants a repeat of what happened in the Wild Card game in 2017.

2. German Marquez

DENVER, CO – AUGUST 18: German Marquez. Photo courtesy of Getty Images. /

If you’re one of the fans that believes Jon Gray isn’t ready to be an ace, then German Marquez is the next best thing. Marquez, who will only be 23 in February, has shown some serious potential with his 11 wins and 8.2 strikeouts per nine innings.

Though like Gray, his ERA was a bit high 4.39, but don’t let that turn you away. He did an outstanding job with this being his first year in the majors. If he wasn’t a starter, he’d be the reliever that wants to get out of tough situations.

Perhaps if another Wild Card game rolls around he might be the man that needs to take the mound. Despite his youth he has a very mature demeanor about him and is ready to take on whatever comes his way.

3. Chad Bettis

DENVER, CO – JULY 7: Starting pitcher Chad Bettis. Photo courtesy of Getty Images. /

Despite facing the hardship of having to put baseball on the back burner due to cancer Chad Bettis is a solid pitcher. The middle of the rotation is probably the best spot for him.

After two youngsters, you have a veteran pitcher coming after you with all his pitches. Due to the brief starts he had it’s hard to tell what his true potential will be in 2018. If anything you should go back and watch his amazing start after coming back from cancer treatment. Along with Tyler Chatwood being gone, Bettis is the vet to look to for advice and leadership.

4. Tyler Anderson

DENVER, CO – MAY 30: Starting pitcher Tyler Anderson. Photo courtesy of Getty Images. /

Another young guy who will be given the opportunity to prove himself as a starter. Anderson did miss out on games due to knee inflammation that led to arthroscopic surgery.

Although that happened, he will be ready to contribute to the team since he was activated last season as well. Anderson put up adequate numbers for a second-year player in a competitive division.

After he returned from the disabled list, he had four appearances (three of which were starts) and he had a sparkling ERA of 1.19. He does play a vital role with being a LHP as the first three men are RHPs.

Tyler Anderson shows promise as long as he doesn’t get riddled with another knee injury his future is bright with the Rockies.

5. Kyle Freeland

DENVER, CO – APRIL 7: Starting pitcher Kyle Freeland. Photo courtesy of Getty Images. /

The first thing that pops into everyone’s head is the no-hitter he had going until it ended in the 9th inning. It was a bittersweet moment, Kyle Freeland showed how well he can really pitch.

The Colorado native is setting himself up for a higher spot in the rotation if he can continue on this pace. Freeland showed us his work horse mentality last season by pitching 156 innings with a few minor injuries.

All in all Freeland is a solid guy that could also lead him to being a future ace.

6. Jeff Hoffman

DENVER, CO – JULY 08: Starting pitcher Jeff Hoffman. Photo courtesy of Getty Images. /

You thought it was over, but I’m here to tell you otherwise. Spring Training will be a battleground for the last rotation spot and Jeff Hoffman is a strong contender.

Though his record isn’t as polished as his colleagues, he will be the other option for a fifth (or potentially, sixth) spot. He comprised a noble first half, but started to descend as the second half commenced causing the Rockies to send him down.

When pitchers and catchers report the main thing to look at with Jeff Hoffman is if he’ll be able to not tire out to fast with the pace of the majors.

Takeaways From This

The Rockies have a stellar group of pitchers on their hands. As long as they are able to develop the young arms and establish repertoire, the pieces will fall into place.

The key component to having a good ball club is the pitching staff since the Rockies have gotten the bullpen in order it’s only a matter of time until the rotation is set.

Over the next few months, it will be interesting to see if the Rockies will stick with a solid young group or perchance sign a veteran to work along side the youngsters. Perhaps even more interesting, the club, with having a young pitching staff, could entertain the idea of a six-man rotation.

Next: Could Manny Machado be an omen for Nolan Arenado?

In the end, there will be eyes on the potential starters in Spring Training.

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