Colorado Rockies: The battles for the final roster spots

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 26: Yonathan Daza #31 of the Colorado Rockies scores in the fifth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on September 26, 2019 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 26: Yonathan Daza #31 of the Colorado Rockies scores in the fifth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on September 26, 2019 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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Yonathan Daza of the Colorado Rockies
Aug 28, 2019; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies center fielder Yonathan Daza (31) reacts in the dugout in the fourth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Outfield

Currently hitting .371, 27-year-old outfielder Yonathan Daza is in a familiar place. If it holds up, it will be the third time in four spring trainings that Daza has posted an average above .370 (.381 in 2018, and .387 in 2020). Unfortunately, in the regular season in 2019, he hit just .206 over 44 games with a .494 OPS. Despite that, Daza has a shot to make a team without a ton of outfield depth and his dependably strong spring performance might be enough to secure that spot. Another factor that might confirm Daza’s spot on the Opening Day roster is that he is out of minor league options, meaning if he doesn’t make the team, he will have to be designated for assignment and placed on waivers.

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One name I’m excited about is non-roster invitee Connor Joe. Also capable of playing third and first base, Joe’s best shot to make the roster might be as an outfielder. He has been one of the team’s best players this spring and I’d love to see him make the squad. Hitting .367 with 3 home runs, eight RBI, and a 1.233 OPS, Joe has battled testicular cancer and deserves for the Rockies to give him a chance.

Though the Rockies don’t have much outfield depth at the moment, the future is bright with No. 4 prospect Ryan Vilade on the cusp of the big leagues and top prospect Zac Veen and No. 13 Jameson Hannah in the pipeline.