Colorado Rockies: Predicting the 2019 Opening Day 25-man roster

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With the Super Bowl and the NFL season officially in the rearview mirror, the Colorado Rockies and the rest of the baseball world can officially turn its attention to the start of spring training and the Major League Baseball season.

The Colorado Rockies have made one major signing this offseason, inking Daniel Murphy to a two-year contract in the hopes of solidifying its recent revolving door at first base. Another, can be argued, is the re-signing of Mark Reynolds to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.

When looking at how Colorado’s Opening Day 25-man roster fills out, it’s a pretty safe bet that, barring injury, those two veterans are a part of the team that opens the season on the road against the Miami Marlins on Thursday, March 28. But what about the rest of the squad? How will it be shaped by both veterans and newer players? Let’s talk about that today.

In this article, we will look at which players will be on Colorado’s Opening Day roster and why they might be there. There may (or may not) be some surprises on this list so let’s dive in and take a look inside the crystal ball to what March 28 may hold.

In the outfield, Colorado will likely carry four full-time outfielders. Those four will be Charlie Blackmon, Ian Desmond, David Dahl and Raimel Tapia. Additionally, Garrett Hampson will likely see some time in center field as well this season so expect him to make his first-ever Opening Day roster as well.

Blackmon, Desmond and Dahl will likely be your Opening Day starters in the outfield. Will Blackmon stay in center field? It’s still a possibility, but we expect that Chuck Nazty will slide over to a corner outfield spot with Desmond taking over in center. Tapia, who is out of options and will force Colorado’s hand this season on playing him and seeing if he is really worthy of a Major League roster spot, will provide a left-handed bat off the bench and speed on the bases and in the outfield.

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Don’t forget, if Reynolds really makes the Opening Day roster, the Rockies are going to need to make a move on the 40-man roster to make room for him.

Regarding the infield, Ryan McMahon and Hampson will battle in spring training for the starting job at second base and both will make the Opening Day roster. Both young players have the versatility that Colorado manager Bud Black and Rockies management loves to have in the roster.

Murphy (first and second base, if needed) and Reynolds (first base) can hold down the right side of the infield while Trevor Story and Nolan Arenado continue to give Colorado solid production at the plate as well as Gold Glove-caliber defense.

Behind the plate, it will be Chris Iannetta and Tony Wolters to start the season.

So to recap…

Outfield (4): Blackmon, Dahl, Desmond, Tapia

Infield (6): Arenado, Hampson, McMahon, Murphy, Reynolds, Story

Catchers (2): Iannetta, Wolters

OK, now let’s talk pitching…

Colorado’s starting pitching will once again be one of its strengths. Look for Kyle Freeland to earn the nod as the Opening Day pitcher, followed by German Marquez, Tyler Anderson, Jon Gray and Chad Bettis. Yes, as we discussed in this article, we believe the veteran Bettis will beat out Antonio Senzatela for the fifth starter spot.

Senzatela, however, will be key as Colorado’s long relief man to start the season.

Starting pitchers (5): Anderson, Bettis, Freeland, Gray, Marquez

In the bullpen, the departure of Adam Ottavino gives Colorado’s relievers some new roles in 2019. Who will fill Ottavino’s shoes? As we have said, we believe it will be a combination of Scott Oberg, Seunghwan Oh and Chris Rusin. We’re also betting on a rebound season for Bryan Shaw, who had a dismal debut last season.

With the Super Bowl and the NFL season officially in the rearview mirror, the Colorado Rockies and the rest of the baseball world can officially turn its attention to the start of spring training and the Major League Baseball season.

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