Colorado Rockies: 3 pitchers who could be “X factors” in 2020

A 23-year-old right-hander who comes to Colorado as a bit of a mystery but had the Rockies buzzing after a singular stellar inning in the spring? That’s Jose Mujica, who could provide some help in the rotation or in long relief in 2020 and beyond for Colorado.

After missing all of the 2019 campaign because of Tommy John surgery, Mujica is looking for a fresh start in a new organization (after electing free agency and leaving the Tampa Bay Rays system). The Rays system is the only one Mujica has ever known, signing with them in 2012 from his native Venezuela when he was just 16 years old.

There is plenty to like about Mujica from his last performance in the Rays organization, however. My colleague Noah Yingling detailed some of those moments in this article after the Rockies signed Mujica back in late November.

"In 2018, he split the season between Rookie-ball, Advanced-A ball, and Triple-A. Between the three, he pitched to a 6-2 record with a 3.75 ERA in 13 games (12 starts). In his seven games (all starts) at the Triple-A level, he pitched to a 5-1 record with a 2.70 ERA. In his only 36 2/3 innings at the AAA level (the only innings he has ever pitched there), he allowed 31 hits, walked 10, and struck out 34. He had a WHIP of 1.118 and a strikeout to walk ratio of 3.4:1."

Mujica had just two outings in March’s version of spring training and the total numbers aren’t great (five hits and five runs in three innings with three walks and no strikeouts). However, a young arm with plenty of potential may need a little time to ramp up and be a part of the 2020 plans for the Rockies. If he can reach that potential, Mujica could be an interesting option at the start or in the middle of games.

He’s the likely the longest long shot of the three pitchers I’ve detailed to make a big impact in 2020. But, with a season unlike any others we have ever seen, who knows what could happen?