Colorado Rockies manager Bud Black: We’re looking for a “big bat” and pitching depth this offseason

Colorado Rockies manager Bud Black spoke with media on Wednesday and among other things, he discussed the team’s offseason priorities.

Colorado Rockies manager Bud Black made his rounds with the media on Wednesday as he went on MLB Network’s High Heat and MLB Network Radio’s Power Alley but to end his day, he spoke with the media, including Rox Pile, for nearly an hour. In that hour, he discussed a wide array of things, much of which we will bring to you in the ensuing few days.

First off, though, he was asked about the Rockies offseason priorities. Last offseason, the Rockies were, essentially, dormant. They did not make a single MLB signing on the free agent front and did not make a single trade. As a result, their few moves this offseason, while not sexy trades or signings, have made them already more active this offseason.

They traded Jeff Hoffman and one of their 2020 draft picks to Cincinnati for pitcher Robert Stephenson and a prospect. They also cut outfielder David Dahl and catcher Tony Wolters from the roster since they were non-tendered and made a few other “under the radar” moves, in the words of Black.

The Rockies have been in plenty of contact with other teams for trades, according to Black.

“…I do know that [Rockies general manager] Jeff [Bridich] and his guys and our organziation are working every day,” said Black. “I know that there are a lot of phone calls being made to other general managers and other presidents of baseball operations, as is the norm pretty much every offseason. Even though there might not be as much activity as a couple [other] clubs here recently, like the White Sox, the Rockies and other clubs are still doing their homework and making their calls.”

Obviously, the Rockies will have to see improvement from their current players and get some outside help if the Rockies plan on contending in 2021, since they have been equivalent to a 71 win team in each of the last two seasons. There are a few things that Black says that they need to address this offseason.

“First off, you have to look at the pitching as a priority,” said Black to media, including Rox Pile. “We feel pretty good about our starters, especially the top of the rotation guys … [German] Marquez, [Kyle] Freeland, [Jon] Gray, [Antonio] Senzatela. We’re probably looking for a little more depth to go with Chi Chi [Gonzalez] and [Ryan] Castellani and a rehabbing [Peter] Lambert so maybe a little starting pitching depth is something that we’re looking at.”