Three Rockies' position battles to watch as spring training winds down

Opening Day 2025 is just 15 days away. In that time, rosters will be finalized, players will be optioned and teams will being really playing to prep for the long season to come.

And while the Colorado Rockies have a bevy of established starters, there are a few position battlles that are going to define the remainder of spring training.

Here are the three position battles that are still in question as the Rockies enter the stretch run of spring training.

1. The starting rotation

Arguably the most important of the position battles this spring. Having said that, determining the starting rotation was more of a war of attrition this spring then an actual battle. As expected, health, as much as performance will determine Colorado’s rotation to start the syear. Thus far, Kyle Freeland and Ryan Feltner are locks, while it does seem that Antonio Senzatela has also made a strong case for perhaps the third spot. That leaves German Marquez as another likely candidate now that he’s healthy, while Austin Gomber, who was inititally penciled in as a starter, has been out with an injury for over two weeks now.

If Gomber can come back before the season starts, the Rockies will have to decide between he, Bradley Blalock, who has pitched well this spring, and the tempatation of starting the season with star propsect Chase Dollander in the rotation. If Gomber can get healthy, the smart money is on him, with Blalock in the bullpen and Dollander heading back to the minors. But, it’s a race that will be worth watching over the next week.

2. Outfield

There was a time when it seemed like Jordan Beck and Nolan Jones were locks to flank center fielder Brenton Doyle. And while Jones is probably still a lock, the Rockies outfield is a crowded group with plenty of potential. A healthy Zac Veen has made a strong case to move up to the majors, while Kris Bryant will get playing time in right this season. Add in Sam Hilliard playing really well, too, and the trio of Jones, Beck and Doyle may not be locked in just yet.

3. Catcher

The Rockies just optioned Drew Romo, say they may intend on only carrying two big-league catchers for the time being. And while coming into spring training Jacob Stallings seemed like a sure thing behind the player, standout prospect Hunter Goodman has not only passed Romo, but, is making a case to be the everyday catcher. Stallings’ experience gives him an edge, but, the battle isn’t over because Goodman has been hitting really well this spring. No matter which way it ends up, expected to see plenty of Goodman this season, because he can back up Michael Toglia at first, he can DH, and will be a key pinch hitter for Manager Bud Black.