Whether you’re a Colorado Rockies fan or not, the name “Coors Field” immediately draws all baseball fans’ minds to the two words, “hitter-friendly.” Located in Denver, CO, the stadium sits at an elevation of over 5,000 feet. It’s scientifically proven that the air in the park tends to increass ball flight due to a lack of resistance off the bat.
That phenomenon explains how a worse-than-subpar Rockies lineup in 2024 managed to place top 15 in MLB in home runs.
However, even 179 team home runs can’t hide the fact that the Rockies have been on a downward slide. The team hasn’t finished above fourth place in the National League West since 2018.
Nonetheless, there are some signs of hope heading into 2025, as the team signed promising veteran shortstop Thairo Estrada to a one-year deal worth $1 million. They also made several smaller-market moves, like adding the consistent .250-hitting veteran Kyle Farmer to a one-year deal.
Additionally, the minor league acquisition of Keston Hiura could add some surprising power to the lineup in 2025.
The Colorado Rockies signed INF Keston Hiura to a minor league contract. pic.twitter.com/WMvV6Ni18i
— MLB Roster Moves (@Roster_Moves) January 16, 2025
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Hiura’s Up-and-Down Track Record
To start with the obvious, a 0.8 career WAR is not ideal. Hiura has not found major league success recently in any facet. But there have been bright flashes, especially early in his career.
Hiura posted a .303 average with 19 home runs and a 1.9 WAR during his rookie season in 2019. He went on to play three more seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers, but his productivity greatly diminished.
The reason for his struggles? Strikeouts. Lots of strikeouts. Across five MLB seasons, Hiura totaled 390 strikeouts with only 78 walks. That is the biggest factor holding him back from another very promising year. However, when taking an inside look into his extensive stints in the minor leagues, the numbers are elite.
Hiura has played 460 total games at the Triple-A level, where he’s slashed .304/.383/.552 with a .935 OPS. Keep in mind, these numbers are against the most talented arms in every MLB team’s system.
After being demoted by the Los Angeles Angels just last season, he hit .354 with 20 home runs in 37 games with a 1.220 OPS for their Triple-A affiliate. The stats speak for themselves.
Simply put, these stats need to translate to the big leagues, and they haven’t for a long period of time. But Coors Field is the perfect environment for a resurgence to happen.
How Keston Hiura Fits into the Rockies’ Plans for 2025
With the team adding decorated hitting coach Hensley “Bam Bam” Meulens after the 2022 season, the offense has shown flashes of improvement. The roster has veteran leaders such as Kris Bryant and Jacob Stallings who need to step up and produce in 2025.
They also have a promising amount of young talent dispersed throughout the roster.
Ryan McMahon provides a stable long-term solution at third base, and their outfield is spattered with the likes of Nolan Jones, Zac Veen, and 2025 breakout candidate Sam Hilliard.
He’ll have his shot to prove himself in spring training. Hiura will likely receive a mid-season call-up to platoon at both second and first base.
Once Hiura finds his way onto the Rockies roster, he’ll have to make his time count. The natural power mixed with the thin Colorado air could provide Rockies fans with a very exciting middle-of-the-order bat. Hiura was a fan-favorite in Milwaukee not only for his capability as a player, but his incredible passion for the game.
He has big-time pop and all the tools to make a comeback. The Rockies essentially have nothing to lose, and all to gain by promoting Hiura and allowing him the chance to re-establish himself.
The signing of Keston Hiura is incredibly low-risk for the Rockies, and the reward could be a good (or great) bounce-back year for the 28-year-old veteran.
Photo Credit: © Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
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