Colorado Rockies: Sam Howard move setting stage for free agent?

By Kevin Henry | Nov 30, 2018

DENVER, CO - JUNE 10: Sam Howard #61 of the Colorado Rockies makes his major league debut pitching against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the eighth inning of a game at Coors Field on June 10, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

On Friday, the Colorado Rockies announced that they would not be tendering a contract to relief pitcher Sam Howard. The move made Howard a free agent and opened a spot on Colorado’s 40-man roster.

The 25-year-old Howard was a third-round draft pick for the Colorado Rockies in 2014 and appeared in four games last season, marking his big league debut. He allowed five hits in four innings while walking three and striking out just one batter.

Howard, a southpaw, started 109 of 111 games in the minors, including 21 games for Triple-A Albuquerque in 2018. He made his Major League debut on June 10, allowing one hit in one inning at Coors Field against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

One of the biggest knocks against Howard, however, was the quality of his pitches. While he was able to throw strikes, his fastball often didn’t lack the velocity to fool hitters. A slider was improving and his change-up was often rated as his top pitch. However, it wasn’t enough for the Rockies to see Howard in their future it seems.

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With Howard non-tendered, a roster spot has opened up for the Rockies. Could this be setting the table for Colorado to sign a free agent? With the Winter Meetings fast approaching, having a roster spot available could allow Colorado general manager Jeff Bridich to make his first splash of the offseason.

Colorado’s offense is in desperate need of an upgrade and adding a bat is widely believed to be Colorado’s main push this offseason. Catcher, first base and outfield have been listed as main areas where an upgrade could occur for the Rockies.

Next. If the Rockies were to trade for one of the best pitchers around, here is what the trade might look like. dark

In other news, Jordan Patterson is on the move again. It’s been a busy few days for the former Rockies outfielder/first baseman, who was designated for assignment by the Rockies and quickly scooped up by the New York Mets. He was then claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Reds, only to see the Reds non-tender him, making him a free agent.

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