Colorado Rockies: 15 players to protect in a hypothetical expansion draft

DENVER, CO - AUGUST 16: Ryan McMahon #24 and Trevor Story #27 of the Colorado Rockies smile after a 3-0 win over the Miami Marlins at Coors Field on August 16, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - AUGUST 16: Ryan McMahon #24 and Trevor Story #27 of the Colorado Rockies smile after a 3-0 win over the Miami Marlins at Coors Field on August 16, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/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) /

A super-utility guy that could breakout and the Rockies best asset: their starting pitching.

7. Garrett Hampson

Hampson struggled some in the first half of 2019 but he played really well in the final six weeks or so, partially due to some changes to his swing.

He’s young, fast, and versatile. He could be huge factor for the Rockies in 2020 and beyond just for those but especially if he keeps up at the plate. Watch out.

8. Kyle Freeland

While he struggled in 2019, if Freeland can be anywhere close to the pitcher that he was in 2018 for the Rockies in 2020 and beyond, he’s going to be somebody you want in your starting rotation.

2.85 ERA in 202 1/3 regular-season innings and coming in 4th in the NL Cy Young race paints the picture of what he could be for the Rockies so even if he can post a 3.85 ERA in 200+ innings, the Rockies would take that in a heartbeat.

9. Jon Gray

Gray struggled a bit in 2018 (and was the victim of some bad luck) but he had an excellent 2019 campaign before suffering a season-ending injury in late August.

In 2017 and 2019, he pitched to a sub-4.00 ERA in 150 or more innings of work so if he can remain healthy, he’s another guy you want in your rotation.