Rockies waive 1B Bernabel after solid rookie campaign
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DENVER -- The Rockies on Saturday parted ways with first baseman Warming Bernabel, who debuted in 2025 and earned National League Player of the Week honors his first full week.
Bernabel, 23, a $900,000 signee out of the Dominican Republic in 2018, cleared waivers and elected free agency rather than accept an assignment to Triple-A Albuquerque.
Called up July 26, Bernabel batted .252 with four home runs and 14 RBIs in 40 games. Bernabel supplanted Michael Toglia (who was recently non-tendered and also is a free agent) at first base and held the job until sustaining a late-season concussion.
Offseason moves have left the Rockies' Major League roster at 37 -- three below the limit -- heading into the MLB Winter Meetings that begin officially on Monday in Orlando, Fla.
New Rockies president of baseball operations Paul DePodesta and general manager Josh Byrnes have said there is talent in the organization. However, the Rockies have moved away from several homegrown players since the end of last year's 43-119 season. First-round picks Toglia, lefty pitcher Ryan Rolison (traded to the Braves) and catcher Drew Romo (claimed by the Orioles) are gone, as are righty pitcher and 2023 Rule 5 Draft pick Anthony Molina (claimed by the Braves) and Bernabel.
The Rockies could use the roster spot to pursue a first baseman through free agency or a trade. But whether immediately or after more development time, MLB Pipeline No. 61/Rockies No. 2 prospect Charlie Condon figures to have his shot at the job. Condon, 22, the third overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, is coming off a solid first full pro season and a strong performance in the Arizona Fall League.
With Bernabel and Toglia no longer with the club, the Rockies' roster includes two players who made their Major League debuts in 2025 -- Blaine Crim, who debuted with the Rangers and finished the year playing regularly for the Rockies, and Troy Johnston, who broke in with the Marlins and was claimed after the season.
This is the second time Bernabel has been removed from the Major League 40-man roster. The Rockies designated him for assignment just before the 2024 season so utility man Alan Trejo could be added to the Opening Day roster. Bernabel, however, shook off a history of back injuries and earned a debut in '25 -- which gave fans opportunity to learn his story of overcoming taking gunshot wounds when caught in the crossfire of a robbery attempt in the Dominican Republic.