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Colorado Rockies: Is Logan Morrison the key to a successful offseason?

By Kevin Henry

ST. PETERSBURG, FL - AUGUST 4: Logan Morrison #7 of the Tampa Bay Rays hits a single off of pitcher Brandon Woodruff of the Milwaukee Brewers during the first inning of a game on August 4, 2017 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
ST. PETERSBURG, FL - AUGUST 4: Logan Morrison #7 of the Tampa Bay Rays hits a single off of pitcher Brandon Woodruff of the Milwaukee Brewers during the first inning of a game on August 4, 2017 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /
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As the hours tick down toward 2018, the Colorado Rockies have been linked to numerous rumors and have signed free agent Bryan Shaw and re-signed Jake McGee to bolster their bullpen. However, nothing (as of this writing) has been done to put a jolt into the batting order. And remember, this is a Colorado offense that had a 0.0 WAR last season outside of Nolan Arenado, Charlie Blackmon and DJ LeMahieu.

So do the Rockies need to sign another bat to make a big splash in the offseason and set themselves up for a serious charge at the National League West crown? On the surface, it would seem that way. One national writer believes adding a prominent name at first base who has already been linked to the Rockies in rumors may be just what Colorado needs.

In this article, David Schoenfield of ESPN believes the Rockies need to sign Logan Morrison to, as he puts it, “help salvage a disappointing offseason.” The 30-year-old Morrison posted a 3.6 WAR with the Tampa Bay Rays last season, putting together a .246/.353/.516 line as well as a 135 OPS+, well above his career average of 109.

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Last year was a career year for Morrison, who bashed 38 homers and drove in 85 runs, both well above his previous highs set in 2011 when he was a member of the Florida Marlins. Certainly those numbers would translate well at Coors Field and would provide some offensive pop to an offense that finished 21st in home runs last season.

Morrison took a cut in pay in 2017 after a disappointing 2016, earning just $2.75 million last year. However, his offensive outburst last season will likely mean a higher payday this offseason. MLBTradeRumors.com ranked him as their 15th-best free agent and predicted him to land a three-year, $36 million deal with the Boston Red Sox. Those numbers are not extreme and could well fit into Colorado’s plans.

However, as Thomas Harding points out in this article, Colorado does not have a history of bringing in a veteran if the Rockies believe they have a prospect who can man the position. That prospect is Ryan McMahon, who has been rumored to be “penciled in” at first base to start next season. So far, the Rockies are showing little to make anyone believe that that isn’t the strategy.

Can the Rockies be a dominant offense next season with their current lineup? Take a look at the potential lineups as they currently stand and see what you think. In my mind, I believe the Rockies do need to add another bat in the offseason to elevate the offense. Whether that is Morrison or an outfielder like Lorenzo Cain or Jay Bruce, Colorado needs another bat for 2018.

Next: A proposed trade involving Charlie Blackmon and the Texas Rangers

That will make the offseason successful … as well as the signing of Greg Holland to finish off what would be a “super bullpen” in Denver.

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