Colorado Rockies: 18 things we are looking forward to in 2018

Number 11: Pat Valaika’s expanding role

Last season, Pat Valaika burst onto the scene with 13 homers and 40 RBI and became Colorado’s spark plug off the bench in many situations. In 57 games last season, Valaika hit in the ninth spot (pinch hitting in many of those situations) and finished with a .309 average with four homers and 11 RBI.

Valaika probably could have had more opportunities had it not been for Alexi Amarista serving as a pinch hitter on several occasions. With Amarista gone, Valaika should not only get more opportunities at the plate but also in the field as well. The 25-year-old will move into the primary utility infielder role in 2018 as well as likely be the team’s designated pinch hitter.

More opportunities for Patty Barrels? We will take it.

Number 12: Will Jeff Hoffman find his stride?

The former ninth overall pick in the draft enters the 2018 season in a bit of flux. Colorado has a deep and talented rotation and a deep and talented bullpen. Right now, Hoffman does not fit into the top tiers of either on the surface.

Hoffman flashed his potential last season in four consecutive starts, spanning May and June when he went 3-0 with a 1.43 ERA. However, he surrendered nine runs in a June 21 contest against Arizona that signaled the beginning of the end of Colorado’s early-season dominance.

He was sent to the bullpen in September and October and gave up 11 runs in 7.2 innings of work, ending 2017 on a sour note.

What will 2018 hold? Will another offseason give Hoffman a chance to fully realize his talent? Colorado seems deep enough next season that it’s not a necessity for it to happen, but it would be a huge plus.