Although the Colorado Rockies recorded the worst record in all of Major League Baseball last season, they still had a few bright spots that made this 2024 season something to look forward to. Colorado ranked 20th with 685 runs batted in. This ranks better than a playoff team like the Miami Marlins and .500 or teams just below .500 like the New York Yankees, Cleveland Guardians, and the San Francisco Giants. If the Rockies can continue to improve on delivering clutch runs home and making ballgames more competitive for their opponents, we could see this Rockies team surprise us all in 2024. Colorado has some great young hitters who are always aiming to improve their game. Look at three 2024 Rockies who could lead the team in batted-in runs.
Predicting Runs Batted In Leaders for the 2024 Rockies
1. Nolan Jones Projected to Have the Most Runs Batted for the Rockies in 2024
2024 is projected to be a big year for left fielder Nolan Jones. The 25-year-old is not only forecasted to lead this team in home runs but runs batted in as well. Last season, he put up 109 hits and 62 runs batted in with a .389 on-base percentage. In 2024, he will make a big leap. According to ZiPS Projections, through 480 at-bats, Jones is projected to have 133 hits and 84 runs batted in. That’s a big jump. If the young Colorado hitter can stay healthy and align with his projections, Nolan could be named an all-star. Furthermore, the 2024 Rockies could identify him as a franchise cornerstone talent.
2. Ezequiel Tovar
The 22-year-old shortstop cleared expectations during the 2023 season. He played the most games for the Rockies last season with 153. Also, he drove in 73 runs batted in, the most by Colorado in 2023. ZiPS Projections predicts Ezequiel Tovar will maintain his production and finish his strong season with the 2024 Rockies as he did last year. Ezequiel will be involved with the Rockies’ plans, but the question remains. How much will he improve throughout his time with the Rockies? ZiPS predicts Tovar will conclude the 2024 season with 143 hits, leading the team, and 76 runs batted in. Although it’s an improvement of three runs batted in from last season, we could still see Tovar exceed all our predictions again.
3. Ryan McMahon
McMahon is projected to lead the team in home runs alongside Nolan Jones. Last season, he finished third on the Rockies with 70 runs batted in. It’s no wonder why ZiPS Projections have Ryan ranked third once again. The 29-year-old third baseman is entering his prime, which means his numbers could skyrocket as he tries to showcase his skills and make the Rockies a viable playoff contender again. Through 521 at-bats, McMahon is projected to have 125 hits and 74 runs batted in. The Rockies’ third baseman has been through the team’s downhill spiral the past few seasons. By now, the 2024 Rockies are performing in Spring Training; they look ready and confident to take this season on with full force. Can we see Ryan McMahon’s top Colorado statical categories this season? Will he be a top contributor to the Rockies’ success?
Main Photo Credits: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
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