2023-24 MLB Offseason Recap: Colorado Rockies

It was a rough 2023 for the Rockies, as Colorado finished dead-last in several pitching categories and with the worst record in the National League. But what did the Rockies do this past winter? Here’s our 2023-24 MLB offseason recap for the Colorado Rockies.

Notable Additions

RP John Curtiss (Minor League deal)
SP Dakota Hudson
SP Cal Quantrill
C Jacob Stallings

Aside from the uncertainty surrounding where the Rockies will be broadcast in 2024, it appeared obvious that Colorado needed to target pitching to shore up a weak pitching staff that won’t have Antonio Senzatela nor German Marquez for at least the start of next season.

Colorado did pick up righty Cal Quantrill in December, a pitch-to-contact right-hander who doesn’t strike out many bats but does have a coveted sinker, from the Guardians.

Dakota Hudson, another one of the Rockies’ notable additions, also fits what Colorado’s been looking for regarding pitch arsenal.

Now, let’s move to the subtractions part of our Rockies offseason recap.

Notable Subtractions

Seventeen pitchers made at least one start for the Rockies in 2023, including Chase Anderson, Chris Flexen, and Connor Seabold. All three had ERAs north of 5.00 with Colorado, and all three left via free agency this past winter.

Colorado also lost crafty lefty Brent Suter, arguably the Rockies’ best reliever last season. Suter joined the Reds in January.

What to Expect from 2024

As is tradition, the Rockies are in a tight spot regarding pitching. Colorado plays in an uber-friendly park for hitters, which makes it tougher to recruit free-agent pitchers and imperative to develop pitching.

The Rockies invested heavily in amateur pitching over the years but haven’t hit significantly with an arm since Kyle Freeland. Colorado does have pitching in the pipeline, including Gabriel Hughes — who got hit hard in Double-A last year after a promotion from Spokane — and former Tennessee star Chase Dollander. But, development will be critical.

Offensively, Colorado’s prospects for 2024 look better. Nolan Jones, acquired from Cleveland last winter, went from lottery ticket to building block after he recorded a 20-20 campaign in his rookie season. Jones’ power looks like a match made in heaven with the Rockies and he’s set to be joined by Brendan Rodgers, Ryan McMahon, Elias Diaz, and Charlie Blackmon.

But with a very questionable pitching staff, it’s hard to see Colorado — a team very much still in a rebuild — finishing anywhere but last in the NL West this upcoming season.