Predicting Colorado's opening-day rotation after Kyle Freeland announced as day one starter

Sunday was an exciting day for Colorado veteran Kyle Freeland. That’s because manager Bud Black officially announced Freeland as the Rockies’ opening day starter.

Throughout spring training, it became apparent Freeland was going to be Colorado’s ace in 2025. He’s had an up and down Cactus League with four starts and 14 innings pitched. His ERA is a bit high at 6.43 but he is 1-1 and is leading the Rockies in strikeouts. 

Freeland of course, is no stranger to opening day starts for the Rockies. He got the call in 2019, 2022 and 2024, and the 31-year-old lefty is ready to do it again in 2025. After going 5-6 a year ago, Freeland is looking for a healthy season, and many improvements for both him, and his team.

“It’s an honor to be told you’re goinng to be the opening day starter,” Freeland said to MLB.com. “Bud (Black) told me a few days ago that I was going to be the guy to lead the team into battle in the first game. “I’m super excited. It’s a great honor to be able to say you’re the opening day starter. I feel great with my body and my arm. And the starts that I’ve had so far in the spring, It’s been great and I definttely feel like I’ve earned this position to be the opening day starter.”

Freeland and fellow starter German Marquez, both of whom have battled injuries the last few years, have shared opening day duties as Rockies. 

Like Freeland, Marquez is a lock in the Rockies’ rotation after a spring in which he has really regained his health. 

And with just 11 days until the Rockies open 2025 in Tampa Bay, it looks more and more like Antonio Senzatela and Ryan Feltner have also earned spots in Colorado’s rotation. And if that holds true, then the last spot will come down to the health of Austin Gomber versus starting either Chase Dollander or Bradley Blalock in the big-league rotation to start the season.

Blalock probably has a roster spot in the bullpen sewn up at the very least, but Dollander, the team’s No. 1 overall prospect is performing well enough to tempt the Rockies to put him in the rotation. He’ll get that chance, and one day soon will be an opening day starter himself. However, if Gomber has recovered from his injured shoulder, he will be in the rotation, and Dollander will start the season in the minor leagues.

Time is ticking though, annd one thing is for sure, whoever the rotation is to start the season, it will be incumbennt upon those five to get Colorado’s 2025 off on the right foot, starting with Freeland’s opener against Tampa Bay on March 28.