DENVER – The new front office hired to rebuild from seven straight losing seasons – culminating in last year’s 43-119 mark – has made “raising the floor” a mantra.
Colorado’s roster still looks a long way from that of a contending team. But if the additions are successful, the Rockies will move closer to the draft-and-develop philosophy that they’ve always professed to have. In recent years, it was more draft-and-promote. When holes would occur, their prospects would be plugged in – not because they were ready but because they were there.
There is still work to do. The experience level of the starting rotation plummets after Kyle Freeland, Michael Lorenzen and Ryan Feltner. The Rockies are closer to contending quality in the bullpen, where there are more desirable options than spots.
For format’s sake, this Opening Day 26-man roster prediction adhered to a position-by-position format. But if all goes as planned, many of the regulars will show up at multiple positions depending on that day’s needs.
Catcher (2): Hunter Goodman, Braxton Fulford
Goodman, who last year became the first catcher in club history to earn a Silver Slugger Award, showed durability in his first full year. Fulford debuted last season, and has the unusual feature (for a catcher) of speed. Non-roster candidates Brett Sullivan and Kyle McCann have Major League experience.
First baseman (2): Edouard Julien, Blaine Crim
Julien, acquired from the Twins in late January, will have every chance to get back to his solid rookie numbers of 2023. He also can be a fit at second base. Crim showed power when called up at the end of last season. Troy Johnston, who can move to the outfield, showed production potential late last year while debuting with the Marlins. Spring will be a test to see where MLB Pipeline No. 70/Rockies No. 2 prospect Charlie Condon stands.
Second baseman (1): Tyler Freeman
Freeman, the regular in right field and as leadoff man last year, is expected to move around the diamond. There are other veteran options, but the player to watch is Ryan Ritter, who started toward the end of last season and will have a chance to hold the job.
Shortstop (1): Ezequiel Tovar
A rebound from last year’s injury-prone campaign – after Tovar’s 2024 season suggested budding stardom – is essential for the Rockies to succeed.
Third baseman (2): Willi Castro, Kyle Karros
The switch-hitting Castro, an All-Star with the Twins in 2024, can be plugged into several infield and outfield roles. Karros had a quick rise through the Minors. Like Ritter, he started at the end of last season and will have a chance to prove his readiness this spring.
Outfielders (3): Jordan Beck, Brenton Doyle, Jake McCarthy
Doyle struggled last year after winning Gold Glove Awards his first two years (2023-24). The speedy, left-handed-hitting McCarthy can play any of the three spots. After an up-and-down 2025 in his first season as a starter, Beck could be a breakout performer if he reaches his power potential. Mickey Moniak, Freeman and Castro are among those who can receive outfield starts. The Rockies also will closely assess prospects Cole Carrigg (Rockies No. 3), Jared Thomas (No. 8), Zac Veen (No. 11) and Sterlin Thompson (No. 15)
DH (1): Mickey Moniak
After a career year last season, Moniak will be an important lefty bat whether at any of the three outfield positions or as DH. Goodman, Beck, Doyle or any of the aforementioned multipositional players will DH when Moniak is in the field. The best the Rockies can do is hope that Kris Bryant, who has dealt with a degenerative back issue for the first four years of his seven-year, $182 million contract, is healthy enough to be a factor.
Bench/Utility (1): Troy Johnston
Johnston can play in the infield and outfield. A non-roster competitor to watch is Nicky Lopez, who has contributed for seven seasons with five teams.
Starting Pitchers (5): LHP Kyle Freeman, RHP Michael Lorenzen, RHP Ryan Feltner, RHP Chase Dollander, RHP Tanner Gordon
Freeman, Lorenzen and Feltner – who is coming off an injury-affected 2025 but has solid pure stuff – lead the group. The talented Dollander will try to apply the sometimes rough lessons of last season, and Gordon had some eye-opening performances. RHP Pierson Ohl, non-roster RHP Vallente Bellozo and RHP McCade Brown will push for spots. Spring Training is a chance for LHP Sean Sullivan (No. 12) and RHP Gabriel Hughes (No. 14) to turn heads.
Relief Pitchers (8): RHP Seth Halvorsen, RHP Victor Vodnik, RHP Juan Mejia, RHP Jimmy Herget, RHP Zach Agnos, RHP Antonio Senzatela, LHP Brennan Bernardino, RHP Jaden Hill
Halvorsen returns from a late-2025 right elbow injury to anchor the ‘pen. Competition is staunch, with hard-throwing Rule 5 RHP RJ Petit, LHP Luis Peralta, out-of-options RHP Keegan Thompson and experienced non-roster RHP John Brebbia in the mix.