Colorado Rockies make potential outfield depth move

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 26: Mike Gerber #34 of the San Francisco Giants is tagged out by Drew Butera #25 of the Colorado Rockies to end the sixth inning at Oracle Park on September 26, 2019 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 26: Mike Gerber #34 of the San Francisco Giants is tagged out by Drew Butera #25 of the Colorado Rockies to end the sixth inning at Oracle Park on September 26, 2019 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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The Colorado Rockies aren’t making big splashes this winter, but they certainly seem to be trying to build up potential depth in the minor leagues.

After some signings in the Rule 5 Draft as well as inking pitchers Jose Mujica and Tyler Kinley so far this offseason, the Colorado Rockies have reportedly signed former San Francisco Giants outfielder Mike Gerber to a minor league deal.

The 27-year-old Gerber has seen action in 30 Major League games over the last two seasons. In 2018 as a member of the Detroit Tigers, Gerber went 4-for-42 at the plate in 18 games. Last season as a member of the San Francisco Giants, Gerber went just 1-for-24 in 12 games. Put the two seasons together and Gerber is 5-for-66 in his MLB career.

By the way, last season’s one hit was a double and came in his first at-bat of the season against Cincinnati’s Sonny Gray on May 3. He finished the year 0-for-23 with the Giants, bouncing between San Francisco and Triple-A Sacramento.

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In Triple-A, however, Gerber was much better, slashing .308/.368/.569 in 119 games. Could the Rockies be seeing this success and hoping it can be replicated in Albuquerque? Did the Rockies see something in him during the Pacific Coast League matchups between Albuquerque and Sacramento? It’s likely the answer is yes to both questions.

Regardless of the minor league success, Gerber will likely have a tough time breaking in at the Major League level with the Rockies. Colorado’s outfield currently has Charlie Blackmon, David Dahl, Ian Desmond and Raimel Tapia battling for the four starting spots with Garrett Hampson and Sam Hilliard proving at the end of last season that they can make an impact in the outfield as well when given the chance.

Next. The Rockies have a new manager overseeing their Triple-A talent. dark

So will this signing impact the Rockies greatly in 2020? The answer is likely no. However, Colorado is looking for potential candidates for rebounds with its minor league signings so far and Gerber fits that bill as well.