SEATTLE -- Rookie Blaine Crim is making a case to be a piece for the Rockies -- beyond 2025.
As his 412-feet homer sailed over the center-field wall off a fastball against Seattle veteran Luis Castillo Wednesday evening, it was yet another reminder that he may have established himself in the big leagues.
"I don't see why not," Rockies interim manager Warren Schaeffer said before the Rockies’ second game of three in Seattle.
The Rockies will likely shake things up this offseason as they are nearing the last stretch of a tough season. Wednesday's 9-2 loss set up the Mariners with their first AL West title since 2001, along with switch-hitting catcher Cal Raleigh belting homers Nos. 59 and 60.
But Crim, however, could be in their long-term plan.
"That would be the dream," Crim said. "But right now it's trying to win every at-bat, every pitch and do what I can to help."
Crim, 28, was acquired by the Rockies on Aug. 3 after being designated for assignment following six seasons in the Rangers organization.
He made his MLB debut with the Rangers on May 2, but in a five-game stint, he went 0-for-11.
"I think the way the roster was constructed in Texas the last few years, I just really didn't fit it," Crim said. "And honestly, even this year getting an opportunity up there, still didn't know if I was part of their vision, which is fine.
"Just getting an opportunity here and getting some chances has been the biggest thing."
Crim surely is getting his opportunities in Colorado since being called up from Triple-A Albuquerque to replace struggling Opening Day first baseman Michael Toglia on Sept. 12.
He even made a great first impression in his first at-bat -- belting a three-run, 439-foot homer into the second deck of Petco Park for his first big league hit in a 4-2 win over the Padres.
In 11 games for the Rockies, Crim has hit safely in 10, while owning a .289 batting average. He's hit five homers and notched 12 RBIs.
“When I’m in the box, I’m fighting for my life,” Crim said. “I’m so hyperfocused on that.”
Castillo dominated the Colorado lineup Wednesday, allowing just one hit in 7 1/3 innings while striking out a season-high 10. The lone mistake was a high fastball to Crim, ending Castillo’s perfect game bid with a two-out solo shot in the fourth inning.
He's the fourth Rockies player to hit five homers in their first 11 games with the club, joining Trevor Story (7), Miguel Olivio (5), and Ellis Burks (5).
"He's made a great first impression with us," Schaeffer said. "Just the way he takes his at-bats professionally. He's not just an all-or-nothing guy; he's got good bat-to-ball skills."
Crim was drafted by the Rangers in the 19th round of the 2019 Draft out of Mississippi College (Division II). He played in 590 Minor League games before his MLB call up with Texas.
"It's weird because I'm a rookie and don't have many days under my belt," Crim said. "I'm the oldest guy in the lineup most of the time which is crazy, but that makes it really cool, really special, too."