For much of the last decade, the Rockies have not been big players in the free agent market, aside from one large contract (Kris Bryant) that turned into a significant problem. But last winter, the Rockies did add pitching help in free agency. Heading into this winter, that need for pitching still very much exists.

Biggest needs for Rockies

When the Rockies were last competing for a playoff spot, Colorado had reliable pitching, led by the likes of German Marquez and Kyle Freeland. If the Rockies are going to return to prominence, it will be the club’s pitching prospects and young hurlers on the big-league roster who will dictate how quickly the rebuild goes.

Last winter, the Rockies’ new front office did dip into the free agent starting pitching market, adding Tomoyuki Sugano, Michael Lorenzen, and Jose Quintana. However, it was a mixed bag with all three, who were part of a staff that finished dead last in ERA (5.59) and strikeouts (1113).

Sugano worked the most of the three, allowing 33 home runs (1.93 HR/9) last season and posting an ERA well north of 5.00. But on the bright side, Sugano actually had a low BB/9 (2.1), which was likely one of the appeals of the veteran. Yes, he allowed a lot of home runs in Baltimore, and that held true in Colorado. But if that is the case, keep the baserunners to a minimum.

Quintana, also predictably, gave up a lot of home runs but missed much of the year due to injury. As for Lorenzen, he suppressed well-hit contact to a high degree but gave up a lot of hits.

Realistically, adding another starter in the short term makes sense. But the challenges of doing so are so high. Veterans like Sugano, Quintana, and Lorenzen all made sense because of where those individuals were in their respective careers.

Is pitching the big need here? Absolutely. But from a long-term view, the likes of Chase Dollander, Sean Sullivan, and a prospect like Jackson Cox are the kind of individuals who can help solve a longstanding problem. Why? It’s a problem that needs to be solved internally.

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