Final Countdown: Rockies' outfield is yet to be settled

Coming into spring training, it looked as though the Colorado Rockies’ outfield was set. And in some ways, it still is.

But with less then two weeks left in spring training, the outfield is probably the final roster battle between position players.

Of course, center field is set for as long as Colorado hangs on to Brenton Doyle. He’s a Gold Glover and one of the best young outfielders in Major League Baseball.

After Doyle however, things aren’t quite as crystal clear as they may have been when spring training began last month.

Here’s a look at a few different ways the Rockies could go with roster spots for the outfield in 2025.

Left Field: Nolan Jones is probably done enough this spring to cement his starting spot in left field this season. However, Sean Bouchard has come on strong this spring, after missing 2024 with an injury. Bouchard, again, has done enough to force a competition, but, the spot liklely belongs to Jones on opening day.

Right Field: Pundits projected this spot was Jordan Beck’s back in February, with Kris Bryant manning the DH spot, and spelling Beck in right. Beck is a young talent, but, he’s really struggled in Cactus League play, and now, it looks like the starting position could be up for grabs, with the likes of Nick Martini and Sam Hilliard battling to steal that spot should Bryant not be the everyday right fielder. 

That however, is intriguing. Bryant is as healthy as he’s been in years, and if he plays day-to-day in the outfield, that will take a spot away from another outfielder, while opening up the everyday DH job.

Backups: The Rockies will likely carry two extra outfielders. The smart money is that Bouchard has one of those locked up, and Beck could end up being the other. However, Zac Veen has made his presence known all spring, and while he’s best in center, he could play any position. So if Beck and Hillard just don’t measure up, Veen and Maritini could be the guys.

Either way, Bud Black and the Rockies’ brass has plenty to think abot when it comes to the outfielders before the Rockies get to Tampa Bay on March 28.