Rockies 2025: A Bold Look At Their Season Ahead

The Colorado Rockies enter the 2025 MLB season with low expectations but a slight glimmer of hope for growth and improvement after being the NL West’s basement team since 2018. Multiple analysts predict a 72-90 record, which would be a huge improvement over last season’s 61-101 record, and it would show that they have the potential to get back to being a contending team in the next few seasons, as long as things go according to plan. While the win-loss prediction may seem overly generous, it represents progress for the franchise, which is eager to shed its past for lack of performance. This upcoming season will give many opportunities to young players that will prove their worth and make an impact at the MLB level. It also gives the chance to veterans to provide much-needed leadership in the highly competitive NL West.

Offense

Offensively, the Rockies will rely on a mix of proven stars and upcoming prospects to keep games competitive. Veterans like Kris Bryant must stay productive and healthy, bringing leadership and consistency to the lineup. Younger players like Zac Veen and Adael Amador aim to prove themselves capable of being everyday players, adding their energy and potential to the lineup. The balance of power, speed, and contact hitting will be essential in determining how well the Rockies can perform against the dreadful NL West rivals, including the stacked Los Angeles Dodgers. 

Ryan McMahon remains a bright star for the Rockies, making an all-star appearance in 2024, and he provides them with reliable defense as well as his lefty bat. Ezequiel Tovar is looking to be their starting shortstop after an impressive 2024 season, bringing great defense and a developing offensive game. Thairo Estrada, the more recent pickup for the Rockies, is projected to take over second base, adding speed and contact hitting to the lineup. Nolan Jones is expected to be their everyday left fielder, while Brenton Doyle is expected to start in center field, both offering a mix of power and defensive skills. Jordan Beck is a promising prospect, expected to start in right field, aiming to make an immediate impact with his bat. Behind the plate, Jacob Stallings is anticipated to handle catching duties, providing veteran leadership and great defense. The combination of experienced players and up-coming prospects aims to create a balanced lineup to ideally improve their offense but also stay competitive.

Defense

The Rockies have the potential to have a very strong defense in 2025, leading with athleticism and versatility across the field. Ezequiel Tovar’s range and quickness at shortstop provide stability up the middle, while Ryan McMahon’s reliable glove at third base enhances the infield’s defense. Brenton Doyle’s speed and athleticism in center field cover significant ground, giving the Rockies a strong defensive presence in the outfield. Nolan Jones offers a strong arm and dependable glove in left field, while Jacob Stallings’ veteran experience behind the plate ensures the effective game management and pitch framing. The Rockies’ focus on strong fundamentals, smart positioning, and quick reflexes could help limit scoring in games while helping give the offense a chance to put up some runs. Their defense will be very important to support the young pitching staff while trying to also stay competitive in the tough NL West. If the defense holds steady, it could lay the foundation for the future and keep the Rockies in close games throughout the season.

Pitching

One of the main focuses for the Rockies is their pitching staff, which has struggled at the hitter-friendly Coors Field, often ranking near the bottom of the league. Though with promising arms such as Chase Dollander and Jaden Hill, it brings some optimism for improvement. Both pitchers have shown glimpses of success in the minors, with Dollander’s high strikeout rate and Hill’s resilience under pressure, their development will be crucial for the team’s success and pitching staff this upcoming season, and if the rotation can remain healthy while staying consistent, the Rockies might exceed expectations and have a shot at a winning season. The pitching staff needs to do their job while they look at their offense, which has a mix of experienced players as well as players who look to prove themselves. Veterans like Kyle Freeland and Austin Gomber are expected to lead the pitching staff, bringing experience and durability to an otherwise young pitching rotation. The bullpen, led by closer Justin Lawrence and the setup man Tyler Kinley, will need to be consistent in high-leverage situations, especially in the thin Colorado air that often inflates opponents’ numbers. The key to success will be keeping pitchers healthy, limiting walks, and maintaining composure in a difficult environment. If the pitching staff can make strides in 2025, the Rockies could surprise many and outperform expectations.

Overall

The Rockies enter the 2025 season with low expectations but plenty of growth potential. A balanced offense featuring veterans and young talent, combined with a defense capable of saving runs, provides a foundation for competitiveness. The biggest question mark reminds the pitching staff, but if young arms like Chase Dollander and Jaden Hill step up, the Rockies could become a shocking contender, or at least come close to one. Being in the NL West will definitely give them many challenges with the stacked Los Angeles Dodgers roster and the promising Diamondbacks as well. While a playoff push may be overly optimistic, the 2025 season could serve as a critical building block for the Rockies’ long-term success.