What to make of the ZiPS projections for the Colorado Rockies

Ryan McMahon, Colorado Rockies after a home run — Colorado Rockies third baseman Ryan McMahon (24) gestures as he rounds the bases on a solo home run in the second inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Are Szymborski and ZiPS too harsh on the Colorado Rockies? You can contend that they are, considering the Rockies won 74 games, which is actually an improvement on their winning percentages in 2019 and 2020. However, at least in this area, Szymborski is absolutely correct.

Cron had a career year in 2021 and he’s going to be 32 in a few days. When Story leaves, Cron will be, by far, the Rockies best hitter. On a good team and with Cron’s projections (a 113 OPS+), he is probably a #6 hitter.

Also, Szymborski was absolutely correct with this.

With the talent they developed, there was *no reason* the Rockies couldn't become the next Astros or Indians. Instead, they look like a team that'll have a couple wild card relevant seasons and then meander off into the mediocrity mire meaninglessly.
— Dan Szymborski (@DSzymborski) April 9, 2018

The Rockies ended up being relevant in the Wild Card hunt for a couple of seasons and then they meandered off into mediocrity. Not bad enough where they are a 100+ loss team (because of the pitching) but just good enough to not divert their course of sticking with their current players.

Ryan McMahon and Brendan Rodgers have the most potential for growth on the team offensively but outside of those two and Cron, the Rockies offense is bleak.

Charlie Blackmon isn’t getting any younger and he is hitting for less power. Can Connor Joe replicate his 211 plate appearance production from 2021 into a 600 plate appearance season in 2022?

That’s only one question with a lineup full of them.

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