Jake McGee: The forgotten man of the Colorado Rockies “super bullpen”

When Jake McGee signed a long-term extension with the Colorado Rockies last offseason, it solidified the teams belief in McGee and his ability to contribute for one of the best bullpens in the MLB.

Jake McGee was one of the biggest signings of the Rockies 2018 offseason. The signing gave the Rockies stability in that they knew what they were getting when they resigned McGee to a three-year, 27 million dollar deal.

The Rockies originally acquired McGee in a deal where the Rockies shipped out Corey Dickerson to the Tampa Bay Rays, and in return they acquired McGee and young pitching phenom German Marquez. The trade has worked out well for the Rockies, as they now have a great young starter, and a great piece to the bullpen in McGee.

In McGee’s three years in Colorado, he has a 2-5 record and has collected 18 saves. The big lefty has primary been a fastball guy for most of his career, but has now added a curveball to his repertoire. Rox Pile’s very own Jake Shaprio caught up with McGee as the southpaw discussed how he feels and how he’s adapted to mixing in his off speed a little more.

“I feel good. Especially how I’ve started the season so far. This year, it’s the most I’ve ever used my curveball so far too. Being able to throw it in different counts and throwing it for strikes… good stuff to build on.”

During his time with the Rockies, McGee was been around the 90th percentile in terms of his fastball usage, but that number is subject to change with the addition of a curveball this season. McGee discussed the curveball and whether or not he knew the usage rate of his pitches so far this season.

“I’m not sure what it is right now. Definitely lower than I used too, but its a good transition. I feel like I’m pitching a little more too. I’ve always pitched with my fastball, now I can pitch with my fastball and mix in my curveball.”

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If McGee is able to use his off speed effectively, it’s only going to make him a better pitcher and an even better asset to the Colorado Rockies stacked bullpen.

The Rockies have slowly built their bullpen from the ground up, and the growth of the bullpen started when the Rockies acquired McGee just three seasons ago.

Now, McGee knows how great this bullpen can be, and he’s certainly holding his unit to a higher standard this season.

“I think it might be more of a higher extent this year. Especially how Otto’s started the season, ya know if all of us are up and the starter goes five innings, Otto, me, Shaw, and Davis, It’s game over right there.”

The star power of the Rockies pen has been in full effect to the start the season as McGee has already collected a team leading four holds and closer Wade Davis has already achieved six saves. If Adam Ottavino is able to continue his strong play, then there is no telling just how special this bullpen is going to be.

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As McGee mentioned above, this bullpen is good enough that if the Rockies are up by the end of the fifth inning it’s easy to just say, “Game over.”