As each day passes, we slowly get closer to the Rockies’ March 28th Opening Day. Colorado is currently 8-4, third in the Cactus League Standings. While there is plenty of excitement surrounding Opening Day, the 2024 Rockies know they must perform better than their 2023 campaign. This team will be looking to turn things around entirely, and a big way to do that is to rip home runs to lower the opposing pitcher’s confidence. Last season, third baseman Ryan McMahon led the team with 23 home runs, with left fielder Nolan Jones following McMahon with 20. We could see a new leader for the Rockies in homers with a healthy Kris Bryant. Using ZiPS Projections on FanGraphs, let’s check out the Rockies’ potential home run leaders for 2024.
Predicting the Home Run Leaders for the 2024 Rockies
1. Nolan Jones
Nolan Jones had an excellent rookie campaign and developed a ton in the outfield. This Rockies team made more excuses to play the outfielder than to let him rest, as he was one of the bright spots in an awful 2023 season. Jones is looking to have another great season and be a key part of the team in 2024. The 26-year-old left fielder is expected to lead the team in home runs using ZiPS Projections. Through 480 at-bats, Nolan is projected to potentially record 133 hits, 14 stolen bases, 22 home runs, and 84 runs batted in.
His 22 home runs will tie with McMahon for a team-high, while Jones’ 84 projected runs batted in will lead the team. In 2023, Jones played in 106 games. In 206 at-bats, he had 109 hits, 20 home runs, and 62 runs batted. Nolan also had 20 steals and a slugging percentage of .542. He has an opportunity to show the Rockies that he can be a key part of this franchise moving forward.
2. Ryan McMahon
ZiPS is expecting a typical season for Ryan McMahon. Throughout his seven-year career, Ryan has blasted over 100 home runs. While that doesn’t rank close to the franchise’s best, the 29-year-old third baseman is expected to have another average-like season with the Rockies. According to ZiPS, McMahon will have 521 at-bats, 125 hits, five steals, 22 home runs, and 74 runs batted in. Last season, he played 152 games. In 555 at-bats, McMahon put up 133 hits, 23 homers, and 70 runs batted in. From its looks, it will be an ordinary season for McMahon. Perhaps he can prove us all wrong with the 2024 Rockies.
3. Ezequiel Tovar
Last season, Ezequiel Tovar completed his first entire season with the Rockies. During the first month of his rookie season, he struggled a ton. Instead of panicking, the Rockies allowed Tovar to ease into the game. He slowly started to improve, and during the last game of the season, he blasted his 15th home run of the year off the legendary Clayton Kershaw. He also had 147 hits and 73 runs batted in during the 2023 season. ZiPS projections predict that Ezequiel will finish first on the Rockies with 143 hits and third with 17 home runs. They also believe he’ll finish second for Colorado with 76 runs batted in and steal 11 bases. The 22-year-old shortstop could be identified as a future cornerstone piece by the 2024 Rockies.
Where Does Kris Bryant Rank for the 2024 Rockies?
With the Colorado Rockies projected to be one of the worst teams in major league baseball again, ZiPS Projections believe that Kris Bryant will not have a bounce-back season. In 356 at-bats, they project Bryant to have 13 home runs and 47 runs batted in for the 2024 Rockies. Last season, through 80 games, Kris recorded 10 homers. Can he change the narrative and have a fantastic regular season for the Rockies?
Main Photo Credits: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
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