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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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Colorado Rockies outfielder Raimel Tapia
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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