Four-time All-Star Kris Bryant gave the Rockies a new direction. 

Before the lockout halted the process of building the ’22 club, pitcher Jon Gray had signed with the Rangers and shortstop Trevor Story was on his way somewhere -- the Red Sox, it turned out. Left behind was a team that had a few parts but could not seriously go into a Major League season. 

But Bryant signed for seven years and $182 million, a Rockies record for a free agent from outside the club. Veteran reliever Alex Colomé and shortstop José Iglesias signed up. General manager Bill Schmidt completed his first offseason by signing third baseman Ryan McMahon to a six-year, $70 million contract and trading singles and doubles hitter Raimel Tapia to the Blue Jays for power hitter Randal Grichuk.

• Predicting the Rockies' Opening Day roster

Bryant’s decision to sign, though, seemed to tell the world that someone who hadn’t spent years wearing Purple Pinstripes thought the best rotation in club history and the various lineup pieces (McMahon, C.J. Cron, Brendan Rodgers and a rebounding Charlie Blackmon) were worthy of a star player’s signature, however expensive it was. Maybe Bryant was telling the Rockies he believed in their direction -- after several star players went in the direction of the exit. 

Does that translate into improved performance for a club that has finished fourth in the National League West for three straight years?

What Needs to Go Right?
Everything health-wise and production-wise for the rotation. It’s hard to see Rockies aspirations withstanding any injury or serious slump from the rotation of 2021 All-Star Germán Márquez, Kyle Freeland, Antonio Senzatela, Austin Gomber and Chad Kuhl. The lineup should be better with additions, but the depth situation among position players is as scary as the pitching.

Great Unknown:
Outfielder Sam Hilliard has size, swing power and speed. He finished last season crushing pitches, the way he finished his debut in 2019. But in between he has struck out an alarming number of times and had trouble holding onto a roster spot. The choice to keep Hilliard rather than Tapia, who may win a batting title one day, is a message that it’s Hilliard’s time to turn tools to production.

Team MVP Will Be ...
McMahon, whose defensive performance at third base rivaled that of his predecessor (nine-time Gold Glove winner Nolan Arenado, now of the Cardinals), and whose runs of power suggest he has the ability to put it all together.

Team Cy Young Will Be ...
Márquez, who more often than not can overpower an opponent. Can he get rid of the occasional clunker and put up the numbers to match his talent?

Bold Prediction:
The expanded playoff gives many lower-division teams a right to dream. And the Rockies have a player in Bryant who has ended up in the postseason in six of his seven years. Not predicting the postseason, but above .500 is easily possible. Even at 74 wins last year, respected projections missed by 14 games. This year’s latest projection number is around 70 wins.