The 162-game MLB season is always a thrill, filled with action-packed memories and greatness. Although we’re still in Spring Training, we’ll look ahead at the 2024 offseason. For the Colorado Rockies, a few players are getting up in age and will hit free agency, but they have been a key part of the success of this franchise. While retirement could be possible for two of the four players mentioned, they could always try to sign with the Rockies or elsewhere for one final ride. Colorado has a grueling season ahead of them, even with their new streaming platform. They’ll be looking to make the most out of every opportunity during the 2024 season. Hopefully, they will, plus these four 2024 free agents will sign back with the Rockies.
Four Rockies Hitting Free Agency in 2024
Daniel Bard (Relief Pitcher)
During the 2022 season, 38-year-old relief pitcher Daniel Bard signed a two-year extension with the Rockies. He’ll turn 39 in June and is looking to make the most out of the 2024 season, as it could be his last pro year if he decides to hang it up. Last season, Bard posted a 4-2 record through 50 appearances on the mound. Through 49 innings, he had a 4.56 ERA with 47 strikeouts. In 2022, he recorded a solid 1.79 ERA with 34 saves through 57 games.
Charlie Blackmon (Outfielder/Designated Hitter)
Before last season ended, the great Charlie Blackmon signed a one-year extension with Colorado. 2024 will be Blackmon’s 14th season with the Rockies. The 37-year-old only played 95 games during the 2023 season, partially due to injury. When healthy, Charlie is one of the most influential cornerstone pieces for this Rockies organization. His impact at the plate, or in the field, has been tremendous since his MLB debut in 2011. He’ll turn 38 in July. If this season doesn’t go as planned for the four-time all-star, we might see his fabulous career come to a close, but if he stays healthy and helps the Rockies compete for a possible playoff spot, we might see more of Charlie Blackmon in the near future.
Dakota Hudson (Starting Pitcher)
The former St. Louis Cardinals pitcher has dealt with a tough couple of seasons. A few seasons ago, in 2020, Dakota Hudson underwent Tommy John surgery. Last season, the Cardinals opted the 29-year-old to Triple-A. The move was to improve Dakota’s velocity. He became a free agent at the end of the 2023 season, and in January, he agreed to a one-year deal with the Rockies. Hudson posted a 6-3 record through 12 starts and 18 appearances on the mound in 2023. In about 81 innings, he almost posted a five ERA with just 45 strikeouts. Dakota has not appeared in any of the Rockies’ seven Spring Training games, but hopefully, we’ll see what he has to bring to the table in 2024.
Elías Díaz (Catcher)
During the 2021 offseason, Díaz signed a three-year deal with Colorado. The 33-year-old was named an all-star and hit the game-winning home run to be named the 2023 All-Star Game MVP. Rockies catcher Elías Díaz has a promising 2024 season ahead of him. It’s most likely that if he puts up numbers and becomes an all-star for the second straight year, the Rockies will most certainly try to sign him back with a big deal. In 141 games, Elías smashed 130 hits, 14 home runs with 72 runs batted in, and a .267 batting average during the 2023 season. He’s capable of repeating these numbers. Last season, he surpassed his season-high in hits by over 50 base hits! In three Spring Training games, he’s gone one for four with a home run, two runs batted in, and two strikeouts.
Main Photo Credits: Reggie Hildred-USA TODAY Sports
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