The Colorado Rockies had the worst ERA in Major League Baseball just a season ago. Also, their 5.67 ERA in 2023 was one of the worst in their franchise history. Once again, in 2024, this Rockies pitching staff will be pretty unpredictable. There’s nothing eye-popping about this Rockies’ starting pitching rotation, and the loss of Antonio Senzatela and Germán Márquez due to Tommy John surgery doesn’t make this rotation any better. Colorado hopes they will return as soon as possible, but they’ll rely on guys who were once relievers transitioning into that starting role. One of the Rockies’ six potential starters will lead the team in ERA. The big question is who and how they will perform in 2024.
Predicting the ERA Leaders for the 2024 Colorado Rockies
1. Dakota Hudson
Groundball pitcher Dakota Hudson is about to get set for his first regular season playing for the Rockies, as he spent the past six seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals. In the past two seasons, Hudson has recorded an ERA of around four, with it being close to five last year. In 12 starts and 18 games overall, Dakota went 6-3 with a 4.98 ERA. ZiPS Projections believes that Hudson will have a better overall season than last season and will lead the Rockies starters in ERA. In 21 potential starts and 25 games overall, ZiPS believes Hudson will put up a 4.51 ERA. While it’s not great, it’s certainly better than his earned run average last season, and it could lead the way for other starters to get their act together on the mound,
2. Germán Márquez
After receiving Tommy John surgery last May and only tallying four total starts, Germán Márquez will be looking to change the dynamics of the Rockies starting rotation. While he’ll likely return during the second half or near the end of the season, ZiPS predicts Márquez will start 24 games. They also believe he will record a 4.75 ERA through 136 innings pitched. Last season, Germán had just four starts, finishing his 2023 season at 2-2 with a 4.95 ERA. The sooner the 2021 all-star returns to the Rockies rotation, the better chances Colorado has to compete in a brutally tough NL West division. Germán is one guy on this team who can steer the franchise away from their second consecutive 100-loss season.
3. Cal Quantrill
The former San Diego Padre and Cleveland Guardian was traded to the Rockies this past offseason. During the 2023 season with the Guardians, Cal Quantrill had his worst season out of his five-year career yet. Through 19 starts, Cal finished with a 4-7 record and a 5.24 ERA. ZiPS Projections predicts Quantrill will start in 23 games and pitch in 26 games overall. They also believe he will finish 6-8 with the third-lowest ERA for a Rockies starter at 4.93. It’s not great, but it’s better than his numbers from just a season ago. Cal’s career needs a refresh, and there’s no better team to prove yourself on than the Colorado Rockies. If he can help this team win and finish close to the 15-5 record he had with Cleveland during the 2022 season, Colorado will be in great shape to make a strong, commanding comeback to the playoffs.
Main Photo Credits: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports
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