Rockies X-Factors: The Under-the-Radar Players Who Could Make a Huge Impact

The Colorado Rockies are off to a slow start, even by their standards.

In four games thus far, the Rockies have failed miserably at the plate with runners in scoring position, and, the bullpen has actually been worse then it was a season ago. Those two situations alone are enough to make Rockies’ fans really nervous, even though the season is barely a week old.

And yet, there will be bright spots as the Rockies move forward. And those bright spots will include players who may not have been getting as much hype or attention in spring training, but now, they’re going to make a huge difference in Colorado’s season.

Here’s a look at three X-Factor players for the Rockies who may not be superstars, but, who will make a big difference this season.

3. Ryan Feltner

Kyle Freeland and German Marquez might be the big names in Colorado’s improving rotation, but Feltner will have a big impact on the Rockies’ every 4-5 days. In his first start of 2025, he was outstanding with five strikeouts and just two runs allowed in five innings. Feltner has struggled with injuries in his four years with the Rockies, but healthy now, and also a veteran, he could be the third starter the Rockies really need to anchor their rotation, and if his performance last weekend was any indication, Feltner is ready to have a breakout season.

2. Nick Martini

It was was a hot debate as to whether Martini should even have made the Opening Day roster. However, the Rockies went with Martini’s experience over Zac Veen’s raw talent, and thus far, it’s paying off. Martini is hitting .376 in 11 at-bats this season with four hits. He is also coming off a stellar spring in which he hit for plenty of power. And while it’s early, it looks like Martini was the right choice to not only make the big-league club, but to be the Rockies’ every day outfielder.

1. Hunter Goodman

Few fans were thinking Goodman was going to be the Rockies’ best player through the first four games of 2025. But that’s exactly how it has turned out, and now it’s looking like Goodman was a can’t miss prospect. He’s already likely supplanted Stallings as the starting catcher, and he’s also proved he is likely a more productive option at DH then Kris Bryant will be this season. In other words, while few people were even talking about Goodman when spring training started back in February, he’s certainly got Rockies’ fans talking about him now.