Colorado Rockies news and links for Wednesday, January 15, 2025
The 2024 season seemed to indicate a turning point at first base for the Colorado Rockies. After Elehuris Montero failed to produce offensively and Kris Bryant could not stay healthy enough to play the field, Michael Toglia finally got a shot to prove his mettle at first base. While the power certainly showed up at the plate for the switch-hitter his defensive prowess, showcased why he was considered the heir apparent to Todd Helton’s legacy at first base.
First base is often a thankless job that is often overlooked. Teams, like the Rockies, think you can throw just about anyone there and while you can, the difference between a good and bad first baseman can be felt from game to game. Toglia was not eligible for the Gold Glove last season due to his innings and for the last three seasons, Christian Walker has held the crown of the top glove at first base in the National League. Now, that Walker is in the American League after signing a three-year deal with the Houston Astros, the seat is vacant for 2025 and Toglia could be primed to make a run at the title.
Last season, Toglia logged 890 2⁄3 innings at first, the 17th most innings in a season for the Rockies and the most for the team since C.J. Cron played 1,028 innings in 2022. Toglia’s 10 Defensive Runs Saved are tied with Justin Morneau’s 2014 season for the second-most in a season, bested only by Todd Helton’s 2004 season where he had 12 DRS.
Among all MLB first basemen (min. 800 innings), Toglia finished second behind Matt Olson in DRS (13) and just ahead of 2024 Gold Glove winner Walker (7). Since 2020, Toglia has the fourth most DRS in a single season in all of baseball. After his first real full season, Toglia has already proven one of the top defensive gloves.
Certainly, he is needed and makes the Rockies infield that much better. Ezequiel Tovar’s Gold Glove in 2024 and Ryan McMahon’s continued success at third base are enhanced by Toglia’s presence on the field. Since scoops were first tracked back in 2002, Toglia made 14 scoops in 2024, the 17th most in a single season in franchise history, pointing to not just his own defensive glove but the quality of his teammates that he often doesn’t have to make many scoops. When he does have to make them, they come with such ease that it gives the infielders a chance to take more risks with plays and throws.
Now, Statcast has been a little harsher on Toglia. He was valued for -4 Outs Above Average and -3 Fielding Run Value and was also rated with a -4.1 Ultimate Zone Rating. Now, UZR isn’t a perfect stat, especially for first basemen as they aren’t typically needed for their range. Toglia’s positioning is among the average in baseball, but he also gets dinged for the eight total errors he had in 2024, split between five fielding errors and three throwing errors. While a .991 fielding percentage isn’t terrible, there are elements of Toglia’s game that could use some improvement, but they are nitpicking.
It’s hard to deny that Toglia passes the eye test at his natural position with diving stops and scoops. His large frame and athletic build make him light on his feet, enabling him to make quick movements on the diamond. His reactions are among the best when you watch him play and it’s expected he can do something special like Helton back in the day.
With the addition of Thairo Estrada to the infield, the Rockies can further solidify their defensive prowess in 2025 and it will hinge on Toglia anchoring things down at first base. Should he continue to produce with the bat and stay durable at first base, there is a chance for Toglia to snag his first career Gold Glove.
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The signing of Thairo Estrada earned the Rockies some notoriety. Should Estrada rebound from an injury-ridden 2024 and produce at Coors Field like he has in the past, the Rockies may have gotten a steal at second base.
Why the Colorado Rockies current stagnation makes sense | Mile High Sports
Drew Creasman points out that the Rockies current moves make sense as they try to figure out what their needs are going forward by looking at the promising prospects they currently have.
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