Colorado Rockies: Winter Meetings storylines to watch

General manager Jeff Bridich, manager Bud Black and other representatives of the Colorado Rockies are in Las Vegas as the Winter Meetings officially begin today. We are heading to Las Vegas this afternoon and will have live updates from the Winter Meetings on our Twitter feed as well as here on Rox Pile.

Coming off their second consecutive postseason berth and falling just short of their quest for their inaugural National League West title, the Colorado Rockies are in a position for even greater things in the 2019 season. However, it will take adding some additional pieces to get there.

And that’s where the Winter Meetings will be so interesting to watch. Long known as a very conservative general manager, will Bridich do some gambling in Las Vegas and push all of the chips in to help the Rockies become one of the favorites to win the National League? With teams such as St. Louis, Philadelphia and the New York Mets making waves with trades lately, will the Rockies make a splash in free agency as well? Will they pull off a trade to boost a lineup that is in desperate need of another bat? These are some of the things we will be watching in Sin City.

What are some other things we’re keeping an eye on (and you should be as well)? Let’s take a look…

Will the Rockies boost their outfield?

Colorado has a myriad of directions it can go with its outfield this offseason. Charlie Blackmon, long a staple for the Rockies in center field, could be moved to a corner outfield position and David Dahl could take over in center. Ian Desmond could be moved to the outfield, opening up a spot at first base for Ryan McMahon to finally get some regular playing time. Or the Rockies could leave Blackmon in center, pencil Dahl in in left field and find a free agent to play right field.

Yes, those are a lot of options. Conceivably, the Rockies could start a Desmond-Dahl-Blackmon outfield next season. However, that brings zero fresh blood into the mix and gives the Rockies three bats they had last season in an offense that struggled mightily.

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On the surface, it seems like more is needed. But will it come in the outfield through free agency? If so, Marwin Gonzalez is a name who has been linked to the Rockies this offseason, and we know how Colorado management values versatility. There has been some discussion that the Seattle Mariners may not keep Jay Bruce and may flip him to another team. And free agents such as Billy Hamilton and Dee Gordon are out there as well. How about a trade with another team like this one we discussed recently?

There are plenty of options … but what will we hear from the rumor mill in free agency? Will the Rockies go after an outfielder to replace Gerardo Parra and Carlos Gonzalez? We’ll be watching.

What will we hear about Nolan Arenado’s contract?

The last time that Colorado GM Jeff Bridich held a news conference, it was near the start of November and it was via phone. During that call, which contained some very interesting nuggets of knowledge, Bridich informed Rox Pile and other reporters that early discussions had been happening with Arenado about a contract extension.

With Arenado’s contract due to expire at the end of next season and the All-Star third baseman set to become a free agent for the 2020 season, there will be talk in Las Vegas about any progressions in contract discussion. We will surely get an update … but it will likely be that more talks have happened and that will be about all that we hear.

One thing that could have an effect on Arenado’s contract is what happens with Manny Machado and Bryce Harper this offseason. The duo is set to sign potentially historic contracts, and those contracts could set the bar for what Arenado will make either from the Rockies or another Major League team. Keep an eye on Machado and Harper to get a feel for what will happen with Arenado.

Once Harper and Machado sign, it’s more likely that any contract negotiations would pick up steam between the Rockies and Arenado. In other words, don’t expect much news on Arenado’s contract coming out from Vegas next week. However, we’ll bring you whatever contract news and/or rumors we hear.

Here are some other quick ideas on what we will be listening for next week…

Will the Rockies do anything at catcher? There is still discussion that the Rockies are in the hunt for Miami catcher J.T. Realmuto but he will certainly come with a high price. Would Colorado pay it? It seems unlikely, but it’s also not a thrilling thought to once again enter a season with Chris Iannetta, Tony Wolters and Tom Murphy as Colorado’s catching options.

If Colorado loses Adam Ottavino to free agency (which is the likely scenario), will Jeff Bridich once again spend on the bullpen this offseason? Don’t be surprised to hear some talk about this next week. Ottavino was one of the few stabilizing forces last season when Colorado needed to keep the game close and/or get the ball into the hands of Wade Davis. Seunghwan Oh returns this season and Chris Rusin has already re-signed … but do the Rockies need to find another reliever to take Ottavino’s place in the bullpen? It’s something to watch.

How many rumors will involve the Rockies next week? We know the Rockies need pieces to help keep them in the hunt with the Los Angeles Dodgers for the division crown. Will the Rockies be linked to any names next week, proving the hot stove could well finally turn on for Colorado? How the rumor mill churns could provide a glimpse into Bridich’s mindset for the rest of the offseason.

Be sure to follow us on Twitter at @RoxPileFS for the latest from Vegas. Also, be sure to check our site often for the latest articles straight from the Winter Meetings.