Final Countdown: Tons of arms in the mix as Rockies aim for a an improved bullpen this season

In 2024, the Colorado Rockies’ bullpen was a source of major issues. Not that Colorado’s starting rotation was top tier either, but, in relief innings, the Rockies really struggled a season ago.

And that’s why coming into spring training in 2025, the Rockies, and Manager Bud Black made improving the Colorado bullpen a major point of emphasis. And at times during Cactus League play, the bullpen has shown signs of much better stuff. 

However, that’s spring training, and spring is almost over. In just eight days, the Rockies’ relievers who make the opening day roster will have to do it all for real. They’ll have to prove that they are a unit that can help Colorado be a better all-around ball club in 2025.

So with just a handful of spring training games left, here’s a look at where Colorado’s bullpen stands as the opening day roster annoucement draws near.

Closer: Everything starts with the closer role, simpley because it’s been a three-way battle for much of spring. It looks like Seth Halvorsen is the front runner, and if he wins the job, then former closer Tyler Kinley (RHP) and Victor Vodnik (RHP) will be late-inning, set-up guys.

Locks: Vodnik and Kinley will be joined for certain by Angel Chivilli (RHP) and Jake Bird (RHP), along with Halvorsen. That gives Colorado a wealth of experience, but also loads up the bulllpen with right arms. It also opens up some intriguing possibilities for the remainder of the roster.

Who Else? The Rockies are giving Bradley Blalock (RHP) a long look at being on the opening day roster. As one of their top prospects, Blalock has got a ton of innings in spring training, both starting and coming out of the pen. And he’s delivered for the most part. So, while a starting role is certainly in his future, Blalock’s first stint in the big leagues looks like it will be coming out of the bullpen. Luis Peralta and Scott Alexander are two more candidates to make the big-league roster, while one last name could be interesting as well. 

Despite pitching lights out his last two starts, it’s looking doubtful that No. 1 propsect Chase Dollander will make the starting rotation on opening day. However, could he be a reliever early in his career? The answer is certainly a yes, but, and with his skillset, he’d be a very effective long releiver, while also easily being able to step into the rotation if needed. However, the more plausable scenario is that Dollander starts the seasona AAA, building up his innings against top propsects around the country. There’s no doubt though, Dollander and Blalock together would make the Rockies bullpen really good this season.

No matter who’s in the bullpen though, the Rockies need to be good there. It’s imperative, and Black is feeling good about where the aformentioned pitchers are at, and even more guys on his radar.

“I’m seeing good stuff,” Black told MLB.com. “I like the arms, I like the velocity. But there’s more to it then velocity as we know. But we’ll have come power. You know, Kinley, Halvorsen, Vodnik, you know, those are three big arms. 

“It’s hard to say exaclty how we’ll line it up,” he added. “We’ll get to that as we get closer. It just might be when we get there on Friday, in Tampa, you know, we’lll have an idea, and we’ll let the guys know what we’re thinking. But they’re all in the mix to pitch late in the game.