We are 15 days away from spring training baseball! Every team is gearing up for an explosive 2024 MLB season. The Colorado Rockies are ready to redeem themselves after a disastrous 2023 season. Colorado lost over 100 games for the first time in franchise history. Also, they had the worst ERA in the MLB last season, the second-worst in franchise history. This squad has a lot of unanswered questions that will need to be acknowledged, especially before the regular season begins. They’ll be competing in one of, if not the toughest division in baseball next season. If this Rockies team can band together and improve upon their mistakes from last season, we could see this team make a significant jump. These are the three biggest questions the Rockies need to have answered before Spring Training begins.
Can the Rockies Improve Their Pitching?
Colorado’s team ERA was atrocious last season. Their 5.67 ERA is the second-worst in their franchise history. Back in 1999, the Rockies pitching staff posted a 6.01 ERA. Over the years, we’ve seen the Rockies pitching core post an overall ERA of four or higher, but there’s never been a time in franchise history when the pitching staff has recorded an overall ERA of four or less. The 2023 Rockies allowed the most hits with 1,599 and runs with 957 in the MLB. Their 234 home runs given up was the second-worst in the league next to the Washington Nationals. Even when the Rockies made their last playoff appearance back in 2018, the team still posted a 4.57 ERA. Colorado’s projected starting five have a truly unpredictable nature when it’s time to be on the mound. They can either light the mound up or give up tons of hits and runs.
Will Kris Bryant Step Up as the Rockies’ Leader?
In 2022, 2016, National League MVP Kris Bryant signed a seven-year 182 million dollar deal with the Rockies. Since he signed with the team, Bryant has struggled with numerous injuries. He’s played in 122 games the past two seasons. This is because he suffered from plantar fasciitis, a bruised bone in his right foot, and a fractured finger. Kris is determined that better days are ahead, not only with his play but with the Rockies as a whole. This team is certainly in need of a leader. Bryant has put up 15 home runs with 46 runs batted in the past two seasons. The bottom line is Bryant has to step up. He has the capabilities and experience to make the 2024 Rockies special.
Is There Enough to Compete in a Tough NL West Division?
The biggest question for the Rockies is whether this team can compete in a brutally tough National League West Division. Last season, the Rockies went 14-38 against their NL West foes. A considerable portion of the regular season is devoted to playing teams within your division. If the Rockies can’t handle powerhouse teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers, Arizona Diamondbacks, and the San Diego Padres, this 2024 regular season will be cruel. Colorado will also have to be better on the road. They went 22-59 on the road last season. The 2024 Rockies must take wins at their opponent’s stadium, especially their NL West rivals. While they don’t have to play perfect baseball, the Colorado Rockies need to prove upon last season’s performance. That’s getting as many wins as possible on the road and against your division rivals.
Photo Credit: © Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
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