Colorado Rockies: Could another piece to the rotation be a key?

The Colorado Rockies offseason has been lackluster since January rolled around. However, that doesn’t mean in the slightest that it hasn’t been successful.

The Rockies signed a lot of relievers such as Bryan Shaw, Jake McGee, and the ever-so-popular Wade Davis. Let’s not forget about the signing of former Rockies catcher Chris Iannetta as well. The front office did answer many of the team’s offseason questions. However, if the Rockies really want to go further into the postseason, they may have to go the extra mile and make another move in order to achieve that.

So who would that be? I’m thinking about a starting pitcher. Here’s why.

As I’ve mentioned before, the Rockies have essentially solidified their bullpen … but I believe their starting rotation is still out for the jury. I’m not saying that the rotation isn’t good, but there could be some measures taken to elevate the rotation. How you may ask? Well, there’s this guy named Lance Lynn and he’s a solid pitcher (to say the least) for the St. Louis Cardinals. Last season, he went 11-8, a solid campaign but still didn’t come close to his best season in 2012 when he went 18-7.

More from Rox Pile

• A Colorado Rockies Thanksgiving
• Colorado Rockies: What if Todd Helton had played football instead?
• Colorado Rockies: Charlie Blackmon out for the season
• Colorado Rockies: Injuries shift look of roster ahead of Dodgers series
• Colorado Rockies: Has Sean Bouchard earned a second look in 2023?

There are more numbers that you can into when it comes to looking at Lance Lynn, including his ERA (3.43) and WHIP (1.22). But if you’re not really into the statistical side of baseball, just watch any of his strikeouts from last year when he logged 153 of them. Sure, stats aren’t always the only deciding factor when it comes to signing players, but they play an important role.

Lynn doesn’t only bring in good stats. He also brings a solid history of experience in Major League Baseball. That includes five years worth of postseason experience, encompassing one Wild Card, four NLDS, four NLCS, and two World Series. Postseason experience is an important factor for a team which hasn’t had much of it in the last decade. Having a pitcher who knows what it takes to not only get to October but to succeed as well is exactly what the Rox need if they want to contend.

Yes, it will come with a cost. The 30-year-old Lynn started the offseason looking for a contract around the $50-$60 million range for four or five years. That number could certainly slide down given the current state of the free agent market. It also could play a big role with the Rockies having the contracts of Charlie Blackmon, DJ LeMahieu and Nolan Arenado to sort out over the next couple of seasons.

Next: Should Charlie Blackmon lead off the order in 2018?

Final Thoughts

The Rockies want to contend. In order to they have to go the extra mile and that probably means flashing more cash. Lynn is a great pitcher that would only benefit from being a member of the Rockies. The Rockies will also benefit from having a veteran arm that can support the pitching staff. If they were to sign him, seemingly the only way would be up for the Rockies.