With the season nearing its end, let’s talk about what to keep an eye out for in September
Ah, the dog days of summer.
The Colorado Rockies have been eliminated from playoff contention, and yet there’s still plenty more baseball to be played.
Now the season enters its most arduous stretch, and the energy tends to be a bit lacking for teams whose postseason aspirations have been dashed.
While many Rockies fans are looking forward to the intrigue of the approaching offseason, we’re not done just yet. Consider some interesting storylines to keep an eye on before we wrap up the 2024 regular season.
Can Nolan Jones bounce back?
It’s been a sophomore season to forget for NoJo.
Amid injuries and a lack of production at the plate, Jones has experienced a full compliment of MLB highs and lows through his first two years. As he’s seemingly turning a corner recently (recording a .270 average in August), finishing the campaign on a high note could go a long way to setting him up for success in 2025.
With so much of the game being a mental hurdle as much as a physical one, we’ll see if Jones can return to his former Rookie of the Year vote-garnering self.
How many doubles will Tovar hit?
I don’t know if you’ve heard, but Ezequiel Tovar is quite good. Having a quietly excellent season, he has fully solidified himself as Colorado’s answer at shortstop and an integral asset as they attempt to set up their team for future success.
One of Tovar’s most impressive feats is his 40 doubles, tied for second most in MLB as of this writing. If he can continue sending the ball to the gaps, Tovar may end up in some vaunted territory, as he may end up approaching a club record for two-baggers in a single season.
While it’s unlikely that he’ll catch Todd Helton’s 59 doubles from 2000, he could very well wind up in the top-ten best in that statistic. The maturation of Tovar has been a boon for Rockies, and this would be the perfect bookend on a fantastic year in MLB.
What other new faces will we see?
Drew Romo, Bradley Blalock, Angel Chivilli . . . . Rockies fans have seen the debut of many youngsters this season, and there’s still time for a few more. With rosters expanded to 28 for the last month of play, it’s possible that Colorado will allow more rookies to get their first taste of big league action before it’s all said and done.
Who might that be? Pitchers Carson Palmquist and Jaden Hill are intriguing options, as are outfielders Yanquiel Fernandez, Greg Jones, and Zac Veen. All are fun additions that have been eagerly awaited by fans, and their arrival to the sport’s highest level would be an exciting occasion.
It’s worth noting that only Fernandez occupies a spot on Colorado’s 40-man roster, which means that a move would need to be made to allow a roster spot for these kids. Speaking of . . . .
Have we seen the last of Kris Bryant?
Yikes, huh?
It’s been another bummer summer for “KB,” who has only appeared in 37 games this season, the fewest of his Rockies tenure and the fewest in any season not shortened by COVID. When he has played, he’s logged a dismal .218/.323/.301 with just seven extra-base hits. It’s been rough.
He’s currently occupying a spot on the injured list with a nagging back issue, While he’s technically eligible to return any day now, it’s been largely radio silence on how he’s recovering and his status remains in question.
Bryant isn’t even at the halfway point of his Titanic seven-year deal, and while conventional wisdom would point to the Rockies looking for him to be their designated hitter in 2025, others don’t see it that way.
In fact, some believe it’s time to cut KB loose and take the L on the contract. His return in September may help assuage the front office’s fears of him being fully and totally “done” and, if nothing else, would be some indication that he’s got something left in the tank.
If not, we may very well have seen the last of Kris Bryant in Rockies pinstripes and, indeed, in professional baseball.
Concluding Thoughts
It’s been a season to forget in many ways, but there’s always a reason to tune in and watch some ball. Whether it’s Tovar chasing history, Jones’ attempt to reignite the flame, or the hope of a new or returning face, there’s still intrigue left at 20th and Blake. We’ll see what else the baseball gods have in store for us before the cold grip of winter takes us away from the game we all love.
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What are you looking to see in September? Let us know in the comments below!