Colorado Rockies: 5 storylines we will be watching this decade

How effective will Colorado’s young pitchers be?

In 2018, Jon Gray struggled while Kyle Freeland and German Marquez shined. Last season, Gray was very effective while Freeland regressed and Marquez plateaued. Now the biggest question becomes which of the years was most reflective of who these three young pitchers really are?

Can Freeland bounce back in 2020? Can Marquez take the next step? Can Gray maintain the level of pitching he was showing when he had his 2019 season cut short by a left foot fracture?

With these three likely forming the front of Colorado’s 2020 rotation, these questions will provide key answers to not only the trio’s development but also to whether the Rockies can win with pitching again in 2020.

But it’s not just those three young pitchers in the spotlight. Peter Lambert made his debut last season to mixed reviews. Can he even out in 2020 after gaining valuable experience in 2019? What happens with Jeff Hoffman? Does 2020 mark a move to the bullpen for him for good? The same can be asked in regards to Antonio Senzatela.

Speaking of bullpen, can Carlos Estevez and Jairo Diaz continue to be solid back end options?

And what about Ryan Castellani, Jose Mujica, Ashton Goudeau and Ben Bowden? These are all pitchers currently on the 40-man roster and seemingly knocking on Denver’s door. Can they be contributors?

Ryan Rolison isn’t on there but seems on the fast track toward his MLB debut as well.

Colorado has prided itself on homegrown pitching talent in recent years. This decade will show whether that strategy can provide a consistent winner or not.