Wednesday Rockpile: The Mountain varies need a lot more major league prepared catching deepness
As the Colorado Rockies get ready for spring training, sixty-four-thousand-dollar questions continue to be worrying their schedule, especially fretting the capturing positioning. Seeker Goodman is anticipated to shield the beginning catcher feature come Opening Day after a superior All-Star period that made him a Silver Slugger honor. His mix of angering expertise and commendable protective capabilities has really advertised positive outlook for the team’s future. Nonetheless, deepness past Goodman as they anticipate 2026 remains to doubt.
Presently, Braxton Fulford appears prepped to function as the back-up catcher. Last period, Fulford battled in his 38 video games with a. 213/. 267/. 324 batting line, containing one crowning achievement and 16 RBIs. His possibilities were limited, making it difficult for him to develop a rhythm. While he showcases possible as a regular safety catcher with some angering advantage, questions occur worrying his readiness to fulfill the backup duty on a regular basis.
After parting methods with previous leading possibility Drew Romo, that currently bets the Chicago White Sox, the Rockies do not have additional deepness in their capturing schedule. The just exceptional enhancement is Brett Sullivan, that authorized a minors agreement inDecember Sullivan has really seen minimal MLB task, finishing 43 video games mainly with the San Diego Padres, where he dealt with a batting standard of. 204 in his job. His Triple-A numbers are a lot more motivating, with a. 261/. 332/. 432 line, supplying some offending hope as a lefty bat.
The Rockies experience a pressing need for added catching deepness. One option can be freelance Christian Vázquez, a knowledgeable glove-first catcher. Despite having a hard time offensively with a. 189/. 271/. 274 line throughout his time with Minnesota, Vázquez has actually protected strong protective abilities– a high quality that may make money Goodman and the Rockies’ pitching group. His market value is forecasted around $ 1 million, making him a financially sensible choice.
An extra name that can renew passion is Elias Díaz, that worked as the Mountain varieties’ beginning catcher from 2021 – 2024 before injuries led to a reduction in efficiency. Díaz has actually shown above-average protective abilities throughout his line of work, and bringing him back can offer useful mentorship for Goodman at elevation, in addition to a useful agreement quote of around $ 2 million.
Austin Barnes, that has actually invested over a years with the Dodgers, is another possibility for the back-up setting. With a historical reputation for operating well with bottles, his strong plate self-control– mirrored in an 11 % stroll price– may make him a fulfilling improvement on a minors offer as an outcome of his previous link with Mountain varies GMJosh Byrnes
The Mountain varieties have actually revealed a need to prevent placing more youthful gamers in features out of need. Thus, if something were to strike Goodman or Fulford throughout spring training, the team needs to assure they have backup methods ready. With the requirement to strengthen their capturing deepness, the Mountain varies may find the free firm market or possible professions to strengthen this important setting. As the lineup advances, making certain security behind home plate remains to be important.
