Colorado Rockies: The six players under the most pressure in 2019

The Colorado Rockies left the Winter Meetings in Las Vegas without adding any major additional pieces for the 2019 season. Falling just one game short of the franchise’s first-ever National League West title in 2018, there is plenty of momentum in Denver for what could be yet another postseason run next season.

However, for the Colorado Rockies to make the postseason and take the next step, some current members of the roster will need to improve upon the campaigns they had in 2018. Whether it was health or simply poor performance, we have identified six players who will be under immense pressure to perform better in 2019 than they did in 2018.

Let’s start in the bullpen with one of 2018’s biggest offseason signings – Bryan Shaw. The former Cleveland Indians reliever came to Colorado with a solid workhorse reputation after appearing in 70 or more games for five consecutive seasons with the Tribe. However, his first campaign in Colorado was a complete dud as he posted a career-high ERA (5.93), allowed a career-high nine home runs and tied a career-high in walks (28).

Shaw is signed through 2020 and the Rockies bullpen needs him to revert back to the pitcher who took the mound in Cleveland. Colorado general manager Jeff Bridich made no bones about that during his time with the media in Las Vegas this past week.

Last season, Shaw was booed off the mound by the Rockies faithful and lost the trust of manager Bud Black. With a bullpen that is likely losing Adam Ottavino to free agency, someone has to step into that role. As one of his key acquisitions last season (and with an offseason of planning and work), Bridich is betting that Shaw can be that person.

All eyes will be on the 31-year-old right-hander when spring training begins.

Let’s stay on the mound for our next Colorado pitcher under pressure…