Colorado Rockies news and links for Thursday, January 16, 2025
Stop me if you’ve heard this before, but Colorado had some bullpen issues last year.
I know, what a novel concept, right? This has been a consistent thorn in the Rockies’ collective sides for years now, and even with various attempts to remedy things such as bringing on veteran arms or giving opportunities to deserving newcomers, they’ve still found themselves searching for answers in the late stages of their games.
Entering the 2025 season, things haven’t become all that much clearer. Colorado has thus far elected to run it back with virtually the same group of hurlers, seemingly relying on one or multiple of their young pitchers to take leaps and cement themselves as valuable assets for the future.
With that said, every great bullpen must be anchored by their closer. With former ninth-inning man Daniel Bard having left the organization and seemingly unlikely to return (or pitch in the majors at all), the Rockies are once again left to fill the void with one of their current crop of pitchers.
A quick glance at their roster would lead us to believe there are two leading candidates: Tyler Kinley and Viktor Vodnik. Kinley is probably considered the incumbent by manager Bud Black, as he’s historically looked to veterans in crucial spots and Kinley has seen more action than any other Rockies reliever.
That said, volume doesn’t necessarily equate to success. The right-hander struggled mightily last season and has had up-and-down success closing games for Colorado. While he did lead the club with 12 saves last year, but he certainly labored through his fair share of appearances. Kinley certainly has the stuff to bounce back, as his advanced metrics show, but he’ll need to make some adjustments to become the wipeout stud that we briefly saw back in ‘22.
Vodnik, meanwhile, was a nice surprise last season. The rookie had his number called more than anyone not named Kinley, and rose to the occasion by becoming arguably the most effective member of Colorado’s bullpen. If he can continue that strong start to his career and show out in spring training, it’s entirely possible that he could be penciled in as Colorado’s closer as the season kicks off.
The options beyond these two thin out somewhat, but options they remain. Justin Lawrence is one example. He’s looking to get back on track after a tough 2024 and will remain an important figure in the bullpen. He’s got closing experience and is likely entering this season with a chip on his shoulder and something to prove. Still possessing a wipeout sweeper, Lawrence may well find himself in the closer conversation if he can regain his best stuff.
Then there’s the returning Lucas Gilbreath. While he hasn’t typically been labeled as the team’s late man in the past, he carries a ton of upside and. after his many ailments, likely has the mental fortitude to handle the responsibilities of the role. The key thing with his success, of course, will be whether or not “Gilly” can overcome his prolonged injury concerns.
Unless they sign another reliever before the season begins (Craig Kimbrel is available!), one of these men will likely act as the primary door-shutter for the Rockies this season. While it’s possible that the team decides to go more with a closer-by-committee style of attack, having a designated arm to lock down games would be ideal in creating stability for a relief corps in desperate need of consistency.
Whoever ends up with the title, Colorado can only hope their closer will help stabilize their typically-shaky bullpen. Will it be a returning veteran eager to reclaim past success, or will it be a newer face ready to cement their spot on the roster? Only time – and Bud Black – will tell.
Who do you think will claim the honor? Anyone I didn’t mention here? Let me know in the comments below!
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Doyle sets sights on Rockies’ leadoff spot in 2025 | MLB.com
Brenton Doyle was a revelation last season, and he’s just getting started. Thomas Harding discusses what the superstar center fielder’s goals are heading into 2025, and what he’s doing to help add depth to a Rockies lineup desperate for some pop.
Rockies sign Keston Hiura and Nick Martini to minor league deals | Purple Row
In case you missed it, the Rockies added to their depth with some MiLB pickups on Wednesday. Read up about the newest faces in Colorado and why they may have a shot at breaking camp with the big league team.
Colorado Rockies single-game tickets on sale Wednesday | KDVR
Game on, folks! Rockies single-game tickets are now available for purchase, so we can all get seats to watch that pivotal series with the White Sox in July. See you at the ballpark!
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