Early predictions for Colorado Rockies 2026 Opening Day roster

The Rockies hope to bounce back from a disastrous 2025 season, when they limped to a 43-119 record—the second-worst in modern MLB history.

The team is projected to have the largest win increase in the majors, which may come as a surprise. They've revamped their front office with President of Baseball Operations Paul DePodesta and GM Josh Byrnes, who have taken a different approach to free agency than we're accustomed to seeing in recent years.

Rockies fans aren't used to signing free agents beyond minor league deals. Every attempt at a splash signing—Kris Bryant, Ian Desmond, Mike Hampton—has ultimately flopped.

However, DePodesta and Byrnes made some depth moves that could boost the team this year.

Catcher: Hunter Goodman, Braxton Fulford

The catching position is locked in, barring injury. Goodman broke out last season, smashing 31 home runs with 91 RBIs and a .278 average. He earned a 2025 NL All-Star nod and took home the NL Silver Slugger award.

Fulford offers a reliable backup option with his solid defensive skills, even if his offense didn't stand out. Cole Messina will likely step into this role down the line.

First Base: Edouard Julien, Blake Crim

This position group is less exciting, and I'm still surprised Colorado didn't take a chance on Rhys Hoskins, who ended up signing with the Cleveland Guardians.

It would be great to see Julien bounce back, especially with Coors Field inflating his stats. His ability to play multiple positions makes him even more valuable to the lineup.

Julien and Crim could platoon at first, splitting time based on whether they're facing a righty or lefty. But this arrangement might just be keeping the seat warm for the Rockies' No. 2 prospect, Charlie Condon, who's knocking on the door.

Crim left Monday's game against the White Sox with an oblique strain, so we'll see how that affects his spring training timeline.

Second Base: Willi Castro, Tyler Freeman

I'm curious to see how Colorado uses this position. Signing Castro to a 2-year, $12.8 million contract suggests he's more than just a backup—potentially even a starter at another position given his versatility.

Freeman proved to be a pleasant surprise for the Rockies last season, slashing .281 with 18 stolen bases and 50 runs scored across 110 games. He split time as a rotational designated hitter while also providing flexibility in the outfield when called upon.

Third Base: Kyle Karros

Karros has earned high praise from manager Warren Schaeffer as he pushes for the everyday third baseman role.

Karros made his MLB debut last season but struggled at the plate, posting a .585 OPS and striking out 26.3% of the time across 156 plate appearances. His defense has been solid, but he'll need to make significant improvements with the bat to carve out a role at the major league level.

Shortstop: Ezequiel Tovar

Tovar is a key player in Colorado's lineup who's looking to bounce back from an injury-plagued season that limited him to just 95 games.

Colorado is hoping for a return to his 2024 form, when he won his first NL Gold Glove and led MLB with 45 doubles—the most by a Rockies shortstop in a single season.

Left Field: Jake McCarthy

McCarthy's speed and range make him an excellent fit for covering Coors Field's expansive outfield, and he can create problems on the basepaths.

He's also aiming for a bounce-back season after his struggles at the plate led to a demotion to Triple-A. I currently project McCarthy in left field, since Colorado has been playing Jordan Beck in right field during spring training games. But they could swap positions.

Center Field: Brenton Doyle

Doyle is an exceptional center fielder, especially at Coors Field, where the spacious outfield demands serious range.

In 2025, Doyle endured a rough season, posting a disappointing .193 batting average early on. He found his groove later, though, slashing .338/.371/.554 in July and August. For 2026, Colorado will need him to sustain that late-season form throughout the year.

Right Field: Jordan Beck

Beck is widely regarded as the outfielder with the highest upside in this group—some scouts even project him as a 20/20 threat (20 home runs, 20 stolen bases).

He was a solid addition to the lineup after a disappointing 2024 rookie campaign, posting a .733 OPS despite striking out in nearly 30% of his plate appearances. If Beck can make more consistent contact, his production should rise accordingly.

Designated Hitter: Mickey Moniak

Moniak proved to be a valuable addition last season, posting career highs across the board: 127 games, 24 home runs, 109 hits, and 65 RBIs. He also demonstrated impressive versatility in the outfield, handling all three positions with primary duty in right field.

With improved speed and coverage from players like McCarthy, Castro, and Johnston, Moniak can slide into the DH role more frequently against right-handed pitching.

Utility: Troy Johnston or Ryan Ritter

Colorado's heavy rotation of Ritter during spring training—bouncing him between second base, third base, and the outfield—makes him a compelling player to watch as Opening Day nears.

Johnston was claimed off waivers by the Rockies from the Miami Marlins this offseason. The 28-year-old will compete for the first base job and can also play either corner outfield spot.

Rockies prospect Zac Veen will be a player to watch this spring after a transformative offseason. On Monday afternoon, he crushed a walkoff home run against the White Sox, putting his new and improved swing on full display.

Starting Rotation

Kyle Freeland
Michael Lorenzen
Chase Dollander
Jose Quintana
Tomoyuki Sugano

Freeland will likely start on Opening Day if healthy, while free agent additions Lorenzen, Quintana, and Sugano should create a more stable rotation than the team has had in recent years.

Key storylines to watch include Dollander's performance this season and the team's plan for Feltner, who missed most of 2025 with injuries.

Colorado has promising young starters waiting their turn in Sean Sullivan and Gabriel Hughes, plus McCade Brown, who already made his MLB debut last season.

Relievers

LHP: Brennan Bernadino, RHP: RJ Petit, RHP: Juan Mejia, RHP: Jimmy Herget, RHP: Antonio Senzatela, RHP: Zach Agnos, RHP: Victor Vodnik, RHP Seth Halvorsen.

I'd like to see Colorado add another left-handed pitcher to their bullpen, and we'll find out if that's in their plans as we get closer to March.

Halvorsen and Vodnik will be the late-inning pitchers with strong arms, both vying for the closer's role.

Jaden Hill is another player competing for a bullpen spot, while Rule 5 pick RJ Petit is one to watch.