Colorado Rockies: Want to win in 2018? Young guys have to step up

Here we are.  The next season is right around the corner, and as always, it is full of uncertainties.

What makes this year different, however, is that the Rockies have a real chance to compete, so these uncertainties become very important variables in the National League playoff hunt.

Earlier this offseason, I wrote that Rockies General Manager Jeff Bridich had a major decision before him–a decision that would determine the direction of his team for many seasons to come.

With Colorado coming off a rare postseason appearance, Bridich would have to decide whether he was going to continue to rely on young talent or trade some of the team’s coveted prospects for experienced players with proven track records.

As the first days of spring training approach, it is clear which path Bridich has chosen.

Although there is still time to add another free agent–and there are certainly plenty left on the market–it appears the Rockies are going into 2018 without any major additions to their lineup or rotation (that being said, the Rockies bullpen is looking pretty nice.)

Throughout his tenure, Bridich has repeatedly put his trust in young, untested talent–and thus far, he has been rewarded for his efforts.

Last season, Bridich refused to overspend for a veteran starter and instead opted to send out a rotation that was four-fifths rookies.  That rotation carried Colorado to the postseason.

Bridich appears to be sticking to this mantra for the 2018 season.  While the cries for him to sign a veteran outfielder/first baseman have been plentiful, Bridich seems content to look for help from within.

If these players falter in 2018, the inevitable outcry will be that Bridich didn’t do enough to improve his team.

On the other hand, if these youngsters develop into the players the Rockies think they can, we will finally see  Bridich’s vision for the Rockies begin to come into fruition.

Although there will be several promising young position players wearing purple down at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale over the next few weeks, for the purposes of this article I will discuss the three who I believe have the best chance to make or break the Rockies’ 2018 season.