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Colorado Rockies: Preview of the 2018-19 offseason and free agency

By Tyson Crocker

MIAMI, FL - JULY 10: Nolan Arenado #28 of the Colorado Rockies and the National League talks with Bryce Harper #34 of the Washington Nationals and the National League during Gatorade All-Star Workout Day ahead of the 88th MLB All-Star Game at Marlins Park on July 10, 2017 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - JULY 10: Nolan Arenado #28 of the Colorado Rockies and the National League talks with Bryce Harper #34 of the Washington Nationals and the National League during Gatorade All-Star Workout Day ahead of the 88th MLB All-Star Game at Marlins Park on July 10, 2017 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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Adam Ottavino of the Colorado Rockies
ST LOUIS, MO – AUGUST 02: Adam Ottavino #0 of the Colorado Rockies pitches during the eighth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium on August 2, 2018 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Jeff Curry/Getty Images) /

The Options: Relievers

Adam Ottavino: RHP

2019 Opening Day Age: 33

This is a priority to me. After a relatively disappointing 2017, Ottavino came back in a huge way in 2018 for Colorado, and and has been one of the best relievers in all of baseball. He ranks in the top 20 in baseball in ERA (2.43) for qualified relievers, fourth in strikeouts (112), 13th in innings pitched (77.2), second in holds (34), and added six saves on top of it all.

The Rockies needed him to be big this year, and he’s stepped up and done everything he could to keep the Rockies ahead and hand the ball over to Wade Davis. Guys with stuff like Ottavino’s usually are, or become closers, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see someone give him closer money, but I think the Rockies should make a valiant effort to hold on to him.

Trevor Rosenthal: RHP

2019 Opening Day Age: 29

Trevor Rosenthal is going down a similar path to former Rockies’ closer Greg Holland. He had Tommy John Surgery in late 2017, and missed all of 2018 recovering without being signed to a team. He plans to hold a showcase for teams on October 3rd in Irvine, Calif. and I would hope someone from the Rockies attends.

As my other allegiance is with the St. Louis Cardinals, I know very well just how electric this guy can be. The flame-throwing right hander owns a career 2.99 ERA with 435 strikeouts in 325 innings and also has 121 career saves to his name. He routinely sat at 98-100 with his fastball, and even was beginning to have a decent slider as well.

He would be a very smart gamble for the Rockies, but if they want his services there are sure to be plenty of teams to compete with.

Jake Diekman: LHP

2019 Opening Day Age: 32

If you take away his 23 games with Arizona this season, Jake Diekman has been a very reliable pitcher during his seven big league seasons. He owns a career 3.75 ERA as mainly a left-handed specialist, and has pitched in at least 65 games, four times.

Given that Rockies have the three pitchers with the three worst ERAs among qualified relievers in 2018, according to FanGraphs, two of which are left-handed (Chris Rusin, Jake McGee), it’s safe to assume that some left-handed help in the ‘pen is necessary for 2019.

Other Options: Joe Kelly, Jonny Venters, Zach Britton, Brad Brach, Bud Norris, Jerry Blevins

These lists are always fun because it gives you an idea of who’s really out there, this is by no means a list of who the Rockies should sign, simply just guys they could possibly have interest in. Let me know in the comments or on Twitter (@tysoncrocker2) who you think the Rockies should go after to help the team next year!

*All stats are as of September 27, 2018

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