Colorado Rockies podcast: Wade Davis, his contract and possibilities

The Colorado Rockies have a big problem in their bullpen. It revolves around two of their highest-paid relievers.

As we wrote in this article, the Colorado Rockies are getting ready to cross a threshold with veteran reliever Bryan Shaw and what they may have to pay him for the 2021 season. The Rockies also have to figure out quickly what they are going to with Wade Davis, their former closer who has been rocked time and time again in recent outings.

Prior to the 2018 season, Davis signed a three-year contract for $52 million. It was part of Colorado general manager Jeff Bridich’s plan to build a “super bullpen” out of Shaw, Davis and Jake McGee. It can be argued fairly easily that none of the three have lived up to their massive contracts and Bridich’s “super bullpen” has been a “super dud.”

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Now 1-6 with a 7.43 ERA, the 33-year-old Davis has a 12.19 ERA in 13 games since the All-Star break. He has been tagged for six runs in his last two outings (covering a combined 0.2 innings) and has been finally pulled from his closer role.

So what happens next? Where can Colorado manager Bud Black use Davis during a game … or should the Rockies even keep Davis on the roster?

Fans are quick to say that the Rockies should designate Davis for assignment like they have other veterans this season who haven’t lived up to their billing (Mike Dunn, Chris Iannetta, Chris Rusin, etc.). However, there is a sticking point to that argument. That $52 million contract mentioned earlier? It’s all guaranteed, including $17 million next season.

Yes, even if the Rockies slapped a DFA tag on Davis, their payroll will still take a hit next season. So do you roll out a reliever this season who has allowed way too many runners via hits and walks since the All-Star break or do you say goodbye to him knowing he’s still getting paid a big chunk of change?

It’s a tough decision and one the Rockies will have to deal with the rest of the season. In our latest podcast, we break down some of the statistics and options, as well as look at what the rest of the season holds for the Rockies, including the hopeful progression of Kyle Freeland back into a form of his 2018 self.

Click below to listen to our latest podcast, which is just over 20 minutes long.