The reasons why the Colorado Rockies can still win in 2020

DENVER, COLORADO - SEPTEMBER 28: Trevor Story #27 of the Colorado Rockies is congratulated by Nolan Arenado #28 after hitting a walk off home in the tenth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Coors Field on September 28, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO - SEPTEMBER 28: Trevor Story #27 of the Colorado Rockies is congratulated by Nolan Arenado #28 after hitting a walk off home in the tenth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Coors Field on September 28, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
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Garrett Hampson of the Colorado Rockies
DENVER, CO – AUGUST 18: Garrett Hampson #1 of the Colorado Rockies celebrates after hitting a 10th inning walk-off sacrifice single to defeat the Miami Marlins at Coors Field on August 18, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)

Offense

This is where most of Colorado’s star power is concentrated and there is even more help waiting in the wings if given the playing time. Barring any trades, the Rockies have superstars at third base, shortstop, right field, and center field. Young slugger Ryan McMahon quietly had one of the best seasons for a second baseman in club history in his first full season and should take a step forward in 2020. All five of these players are expected to top 20 home runs in 2020.

In the final months of the season, two of the Rockies best players were Garrett Hampson and Sam Hilliard, both displaying a potent mix of power and speed that could spark the Rockies already dangerous lineup for years to come. Hampson’s outbreak was one that’s been a long time coming and could spell good things for Colorado in 2020 if he can keep it up. From August 28 through the end of the season, Hampson hit .330 with five home runs and 10 stolen bases.

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Hilliard looked like a superstar in the making during his month-plus with the Rockies, crushing seven homers while driving in 13 and hitting .273 with a 1.006 OPS. If the Rockies move McMahon to first base and slide Hampson in at second, they could have the makings of a bright young lineup that could torture any opposing pitching staff. If given the playing time, I think it’s fair to expect a breakout season from at least one of Hampson, McMahon, and Hilliard. And its not far-fetched to imagine all three thriving in full time roles.

It’s not a stretch to envision a team winning with this lineup:

Garrett Hampson, 2B

Charlie Blackmon, RF

Nolan Arenado, 3B

Trevor Story, SS

David Dahl, C

Ryan McMahon, 1B

Sam Hilliard, LF

Tony Wolters, C

Conclusion

Will 2020 be as bad as 2019? A lot of that hinges on what the front office does and a couple of bounceback performances–which is why I titled this post, “The reasons why the Colorado Rockies Can Still Win in 2020″ not “Why the Colorado Rockies Will Win in 2020.” But on paper, this doesn’t look like a team that will rack up 90+ losses again. 90+ wins might be equally as unlikely, but if last season was the year when everything went wrong, maybe this is the year when everything goes right.

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