Colorado Rockies Rumors: Jon Heyman’s Free Agent Predictions

The offseason is officially here and that means MLB insider Jon Heyman is out with his newest set of free agent predictions.

His article has ramifications for the Colorado Rockies as a handful of the team’s biggest contributors over the last couple seasons will be on the FA market this offseason.

Heyman includes his projections of the contracts the top 131 free agents will receive alongside the predictions of an expert he spoke to.

Out of the Rockies on the list, all-star second baseman DJ LeMahieu was the highest-ranked at number 14.  He was projected to get 3-4 years for a total of $39-50 million.  DJ’s future in Denver was already uncertain, but if Heyman’s projection is anywhere near accurate, its increasingly doubtful he will return.

The Rockies have a number of highly-touted  second base options waiting in wings (Garrett Hampson, Ryan McMahon, and Brendan Rodgers) that they are excited to get a look at.  We’ve all seen the hype around Rodgers but all three of these guys are young, full of talent, and much cheaper than $50 million.

In addition, if the Rockies go with one of those three and save that money, it means they could potentially go after other needs such as another impact bat.  Heyman’s expert lists potential superstar outfielder AJ Pollack below DJ on the list at 3 years for $42 million.  Part of the reason Pollack’s contract is so low is because he’s highly unpredictable.

At times, he’s looked like an MVP candidate.  He’s also battled injury tendencies that have affected his performance.  He’s only played more than 137 games once in his 7 year career.  He’s topped 113 games twice.  But if he stays healthy, he could be a bargain.

Carlos Gonzalez was listed at #64 with a projected 1 year deal for $6.5-7 million, Gerardo Parra was 75th at 1 year for $5-6 million, and Matt Holiday was 99th with 1 year for $3 million.  Honestly, I don’t think it’s that likely that any of these three return.  Holiday hit well with the Rockies and could return as a pinch-hitter in a Jason Giambi-type role, but certainly not as a starter.

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The Rockies already declined Parra’s option so I think its pretty clear they’ll move on from him and give younger guys like David Dahl and Raimel Tapia a shot at an everyday job.  Same thing with CarGo.  He wasn’t signed for 2018 until Spring Training and after this past season I don’t see the Rockies being eager to bring him back.

CarGo’s biggest asset is his clubhouse presence and that shouldn’t be discounted, but his days as a superstar in the league appear to be over.  The Rockies might bring back one of Cargo or Holliday for their clubhouse leadership and as a veteran pinch-hitter but they won’t bring back both.  And honestly, I’m not too sure they’ll bring back either.

This isn’t just because of Dahl and Tapia, but also because of Desmond’s ability to play outfield and open up first base for McMahon.  While Desmond’s 2018 offense (.236 AVG, 22 HR, 88 RBI, 20 SB) was lackluster for first base, it looks much better coming from a corner outfielder hitting in the 7-hole.

The good thing going forward is the Rockies have a lot of options–and more young talent than available positions.  After making consecutive playoff appearances for the first time in franchise history, the future is still bright in Colorado.