Colorado Rockies: Is David Dahl the first of many more to come?

OAKLAND, CA - JULY 29: David Dahl #26 of the Colorado Rockies bats during the game against the Oakland Athletics at RingCentral Coliseum on July 29, 2020 in Oakland, California. The Rockies defeated the Athletics 5-1. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - JULY 29: David Dahl #26 of the Colorado Rockies bats during the game against the Oakland Athletics at RingCentral Coliseum on July 29, 2020 in Oakland, California. The Rockies defeated the Athletics 5-1. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images)

In a surprise move, the Colorado Rockies are parting ways with 26-year-old outfielder David Dahl after four high-potential, yet injury-plagued seasons in Denver.

On Wednesday night, the Colorado Rockies non-tendered former All-Star outfielder David Dahl along with catcher Tony Wolters and pitcher Chi Chi Gonzalez, officially making them free agents.  The three become the first casualties (pardon the expression, especially considering the world we live in today) of a financially conservative organization tightening its belt after the pandemic-shortened 2020 MLB season cut into profits as zero fans were able to be in attendance.

Dahl had been quite the enigma for the Rockies. In four seasons, he hit .286/.334/.494 with 38 homers with 142 RBI and 149 runs scored and made the 2019 All-Star game. However, injuries had followed him throughout his early career as he missed the entire 2017 season and the most games he had played in a season was 100 in 2019, which was cut short by a season-ending ankle injury.

More from Colorado Rockies News

Many fans have been scratching their heads over this move as he was set to only make in the neighborhood of $2.5 million next season. That is not a big contract for someone with so much upside. Unfortunately for Dahl, the Rockies have four outfielders with Charlie Blackmon, Raimel Tapia, Sam Hilliard, and Ian Desmond set to return, along with super-utility player Garrett Hampson.

This is purely a numbers move instead of a baseball one … and don’t be surprised if it is not the last. The speculation revolving around Nolan Arenado is already swirling and if the Rockies are already worried about paying Dahl less than $3 million, just imagine what they are thinking when they see that $35 million-a-year price tag next to Arenado.

There is also Trevor Story, who is in line for a big payday after this season, and players such as Jon Gray (who was tendered on Wednesday) who are entering the final year of their contracts that the Rockies could be forced to move or see them leave Colorado without getting anything in return.

Brace yourselves Rockies fans. This winter could be filled with disappointment as budget-cutting moves could see many of our favorite faces finding homes somewhere other than Colorado.

Schedule