3 burning questions the Rockies must answer before Opening Day

2025 was a year the Rockies need to put in their rearview mirror as they advance forward after leadership changes and a new philosophy were added to the organization.

With the arrival of new leadership comes fresh ideas and innovation. The Rockies are implementing this change across both pitching and personnel. Colorado made significant moves this winter in free agency, bringing in players who are poised to compete for starting roles in 2026.

Here are three burning questions Colorado must address before Opening Day next week.

3. Who will the fifth starter be?

The Rockies' decision to option Tanner Gordon to Triple-A Albuquerque was surprising, given his performance in spring training. That leaves him out of the running for the final rotation spot, with Chase Dollander and Ryan Felter also vying for the position.

Both pitchers have struggled with command issues this spring; Feltner is returning from injuries that sidelined him throughout most of 2025, and Dollander is still adjusting to the big leagues on the fly.

I've always believed Feltner could be a more effective bullpen option, given his varied pitch mix and strong strikeout ability. Dollander, on the other hand, appears to have an ace-caliber arm that the Rockies are hoping to lean on heavily.

Colorado could certainly start Dollander in Triple-A Albuquerque to aid his development; however, that move could negatively impact the young right-hander's confidence. Feltner offers a more experienced option, and it appears to be the path Colorado is taking with their free agent signings, Michael Lorenzen, Tomoyuki Sugano, and Jose Quintana.

I'm selfishly leaning towards Dollander, although Feltner seems like the logical choice given Colorado's offseason philosophy.

Advantage: Chase Dollander

2. What’s the second base position looking like?

The Rockies' second base position is being contested by two free agent signings and Tyler Freeman, who previously played primarily in right field and as the designated hitter for the team last season.

Willi Castro and Edouard Julien were signed this offseason to provide depth and versatility, as both players can play multiple positions, giving the Colorado team different options.

Ryan Ritter is another player to watch as he makes a late push for the starting job. He primarily played second base after being called up last season. This spring, he's been playing multiple positions for the Rockies, including third base, shortstop, second base, and left field. Recently, he's also been taking practice at first base.

Adael Amador, Colorado's top prospect in 2024, was recently demoted, ending his chances for a starting position.

Colorado has several players they can utilize at this position. Currently, I anticipate Willi Castro to be the primary starter, with other players getting opportunities when Castro needs a rest or is moved to a different position.

Advantage: Willi Castro

1. Who will be locking down first base?

Since Michael Toglia and Warming Bernabel were designated for assignment and waived, first base has become the main topic of discussion and the primary position the Colorado Rockies need to address.

Colorado traded for Julien and added Troy Johnston via waiver claim, increasing competition in the player pool. However, prospects T.J. Rumfield (acquired in a trade with the Yankees) and No. 2 prospect Charlie Condon have been the leading contenders.

Blake Crim was also in the position battle, but a spring oblique injury has sidelined him, likely starting the season at Triple-A.

You'd love to see Condon in this spot, but I believe the Rockies will likely employ the service time manipulation game, which keeps top prospects in the minors for the initial 16+ days of the season to delay their free agency.

I'm going to give the nod to Rumfield; he's been a pleasant surprise this spring and rarely strikes out. Colorado needs a bat like his in the lineup.

Advantage: T.J. Rumfield