The Rockies have always had their disadvantages when it comes to attracting high profile pitchers to their organization—one being the financial capital and the other being the high altitude at Coors Field. Pitchers are forced to adjust their strategy, not relying on breaking balls as frequently. The high altitude has an impact on the movement of breaking balls, making it less effective. Despite the challenges the Rockies have faced, they have managed to come across some talented pitchers within the organization.

With Spring Training on the verge of coming to a close the Rockies rotation looks to be rounding into form. Listed below are some names that could be vital when it comes to this Rockies team’s success for the upcoming season.

(SP Right-Handed) German Marquez – Since being acquired via trade by the Tampa Rays in 2016, Marquez has been an anchor at the top of this pitching rotation. German Marquez carries a career ERA of 4.42, which ranks 5th currently all time for the Rockies and 1st in strikeouts with 986. Marquez underwent Tommy John surgery on his right arm in 2023. Unfortunately for Marquez, last season he only logged one start, then was shut down for the season. The expectations for Marquez remain high going into this season while trying to regain his form. The Rockies are relying on Marquez to remain healthy and be that dominant force at the top of the rotation that he is capable of being. Marquez will be relied on for his veteran leadership on and off the diamond, especially with being such a young team.

Career stats- Record (65-56) /ERA 4.42/ 986 Ks/ WHIP 1.287

(SP Left-Handed) Kyle Freeland – Freeland is a Denver native and happens to be one of the Rockies longest tenured pitchers. Freeland has faced adversity while pitching for the Rockies, having struggled in seasons past. Despite the challenges, Freeland has managed to have quite a bit of success, too. In the 2018 season Freeland held a career-best record of 17-7 as a starter. After having a strong Spring Training performance, Rockies manager Bud Black has named Kyle Freeland the Opening Day starter. It will be back-to-back Opening Day nods for the Rockies ace and marks the 4th time in his career altogether as he goes into his 9th season as a Rockie.

Career stats- Record (60-73) / ERA 4.48/ 820 Ks / WHIP 1.41

(SP/RP Right-Handed) Bradley Blalock– Last season Blalock went 1-3 and posted and ERA of 5.87 with 20 strikeouts in 7 games. This Spring Training Blalock has pitched well in his stints that he has had. With left-handed pitcher Austin Gomber set to start the season on the injured list, I anticipate Blalock playing a vital role with this rotation in Gomber’s absence. Blalock could make Colorado’s Opening Day roster as a starter or long reliever, according to Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post. Blalock could look to hold down the fort in the rotation as a starter until Gomber gets back or become a mainstay in the rotation depending on his performance.

Career stats- Record (1-3) / ERA 5.87 / 20 Ks / WHIP 1.79

(SP Right-Handed) Chase Dollander– Drafted as the #9 overall pick in the 2023 MLB draft out of the University of Tennesse. Ranked as the Colorado Rockies #1 prospect according to MLB.com. I gave him the nickname “ACE DOLLANDER” because he carries all the intangibles of what it takes to be an ace. Dollander has a high velocity fastball in his arsenal to go along with some off-speed pitches. Dollander received the comparison of a Jacob DeGrom in a scouting report I read. Though it does a disservice to both pitchers, comparisons are meant to give you an idea as to what a player’s trajectory could potentially become in the league. At only 23 years old there is plenty of time for growth and development to still be had and there isn’t a need to rush the process. It is not a matter of if, but when Dollander is ready to be in the starting rotation.

Career stats- (Minors) Record (6-2) / ERA 2.59 / 169Ks / WHIP 1.19

Rockies Bullpen– When it comes to the Rockies bullpen it remains a dead weight that holds down the Rockies from having team success. Last season the Rockies finished the season with a combined ERA of 5.41 ranking 30th in the MLB. Now, I know it isn’t all on the bullpen in which the Rockies have lost so many games in past seasons, but it is part of the equation.

(RP/CP Right-Handed) Victor Vodnik– Vodnik has been inconsistent so far this Spring Training in terms of his performance. Last season through 64 games Vodnik posted an ERA of 4.28 to go along with 65 Ks. Vodnik is a candidate to try and compete for the closer for the Rockies.

Career stats- Record (5-4 )/ 4.28 ERA / 65 Ks/ WHIP 1.48

(RP/CP Right-Handed) Tyler Kinley– Even at age 34 Kinley looks rejuvenated in Spring Training, posting an impressive stat line of 0.00 ERA 9 Ks through 6IP. Kinley is a veteran that is poised to have a bounce-back season after a rocky 2024, no pun intended. Kinley does have the experience of being a closer if relied upon, but either way he will have a role within this Rockies bullpen.

Career stats- Record (13-11) / ERA 4.98 / 269 Ks / WHIP 1.39

Final Thoughts– The Rockies as a team in 2024 had an ERA of 5.47 which is underwhelming. To have any chance of being competitive, the Rockies will need to step up and drastically improve from last season. Now, it isn’t out of the realm of possibilities, but it will be an uphill battle considering the fact half the games are played at Coors Field.

Photo Credit; Evert Nelson, The Denver Post, Purple Row, MLB.com,

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