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Colorado Rockies: 3 players to build around for the future

By Ben Macaluso |
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 18: Brendan Rodgers #7 of the Colorado Rockies hits a two run home run in the first inning during a baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on September 18, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 18: Brendan Rodgers #7 of the Colorado Rockies hits a two run home run in the first inning during a baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on September 18, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
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DENVER, COLORADO – AUGUST 06: Brendan Rodgers #7 of the Colorado Rockies runs after hitting a double against the Miami Marlins in the third inning at Coors Field on August 06, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO – AUGUST 06: Brendan Rodgers #7 of the Colorado Rockies runs after hitting a double against the Miami Marlins in the third inning at Coors Field on August 06, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

As the Colorado Rockies played their last homestand of 2021, it’s difficult not to reminisce. No Rockies fan is looking back on this season with much fondness sitting under .500 once again. It’s difficult to see Trevor Story and maybe Jon Gray suit up for the last time in Denver. The front office seems like it’s going to change as much as the weather in San Diego.

But it was the season we all got to see our favorite team in person again. It was the season we got to see all the All-Stars and feel like the baseball world revolved around Denver again, even if it was just for a moment. They played heroically at home and not so much on the road (at least for most of the season). They had to move on as a team from losing their best player and still defied expectations, even it that was a low bar to hurdle.

No matter how tough it is to watch this team sometimes, life is always better with baseball in it. In that spirit, we’re looking toward next year. Specifically, these are the three players the Rockies should build around.

One player that the Colorado Rockies should build around is Brendan Rodgers

It turns out Brendan Rodgers is a very good baseball player when he is healthy. He still didn’t play a full season playing 98 games but he hit .284 with 15 homers good for a 1.5 WAR and he played a solid second base. Now that the Rockies have decided to part with Story, Rodgers should move back to his more natural position at short where he could prove to be even better.

Rodgers filled just fine for Story in the middle of summer when the Rockies star went down with elbow inflammation. By the actions of the front office, they may think that Rodgers is the best player to build around as he consistently did not include him on multiple trade discussions. Rodgers is the heir apparent whether he is ready (or can stay healthy) or not.

Jun 15, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies third baseman Ryan McMahon (24) on deck in the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 15, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies third baseman Ryan McMahon (24) on deck in the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

Another player the Colorado Rockies should build around is Ryan McMahon

Ryan McMahon had the hardest task of anyone on the Colorado Rockies coming into 2021. Even if the comparisons were unfair, they were inevitable. McMahon took over for Nolan Arenado at third base. No one would be envious of that position. But McMahon actually got better. He seemed the beneficiary of stability playing one position and having a more everyday role in the lineup, whether it’s at third base or at second base.

He hit .250 in 2019 with the highest strikeout percentage in the National League and played most of his games at second. In the pandemic shortened 2020 season he was all over the diamond and only hit .215. He is hitting .254 this year but more impressively he has a 4.0 WAR and is driving runners home with 81 RBIs this year. From 2017-2020 he had a combined 2.5 WAR.

In his last game at Coors this season he hit a three-run homer that jump-started the Rockies offense against the Nationals. He doesn’t have to replace one of the best players in franchise history. But he’s a solid bat that can energize this lineup with a tremendous glove and has proven he can be a dependable player for the future of this franchise.

Sep 23, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies left fielder Raimel Tapia (15) celebrates a two run home run in the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 23, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies left fielder Raimel Tapia (15) celebrates a two run home run in the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

Raimel Tapia

Raimel Tapia seems to have been in the Colorado Rockies organization forever. He did sign with the organization in 2010 and debut in 2016. Most of that time ever since though has been up and down from the majors to minors. Tapia really benefited from more playing time when Ian Desmond opted out in 2020 and again this year. He hit .321 on his way to becoming a full-time outfielder.

This year he became a reliable leadoff hitter even though many players have been gunning for that spot this season. In Game 2 against the Nationals, he hit a pinch-hit triple to secure the Rockies lead.

He will never have the power numbers that Charlie Blackmon did in his prime at leadoff but Tapia had a .329 OBP which is 20 points more than his best in a full season. He is finally coming into his own and should get more opportunities to prove himself at the top spot.

Bonus: C.J. Cron

Denver was really spoiled by Todd Helton and Peyton Manning. There really hasn’t been a consistent first baseman or quarterback here since they retired. Here’s to crossing our fingers for C.J. Cron and Teddy Bridgewater.

Next. Trevor Story's top five moments as a Rockie. dark

For Cron, he had a great year finally providing some consistency at the position. He hit .275 with 28 homers and 89 RBIs for a 3.1 WAR with a chance to start the most games he ever has in his career. He was a steal minor league contract signing in spring training. He’s a no-brainer off-season signing.

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