Rockies Gear Up: Roster Uncertainty and New Beginnings

The Rockies are busy shaping a 26‑man squad for the season opener on March 27 in Miami. Decision makers like DePodesta, Byrnes and Schaeffer juggle stats, experience, minor‑league options and gut feelings. Who will be the fifth starter? Options include Chase Dollander, Ryan Feltner or a retooled Antonio Senzatela. Righty Tanner Gordon could also find a spot. Kyle Karros’ readiness at third base is debated; a stint in Triple‑A Albuquerque might be on the table. The team has an abundance of young outfielders, so a spring‑training trade is possible. Bullpen strategy may involve long relievers who can “piggyback” starters, but the exact plan remains unclear. With 13 exhibition games left, the Rockies must answer many questions before finalizing their roster. The projected rotation centers on veteran left‑handers Kyle Freeland and Jose Quintana, and right‑handers Michael Lorenzen and Tomoyuki Sugano. If a five‑man rotation is chosen, Dollander appears to be the prime candidate for the extra spot. Feltner might stay in Triple‑A or become a long reliever, while Senzatela could remain in the bullpen. Bullpen choices are fluid. Schaeffer has avoided naming a closer, adding intrigue as camp winds down. The team may shuffle relievers between the majors and Triple‑A, similar to the Dodgers’ approach.Key long‑relief options include Seth Halvorsen, Jimmy Herget, Zach Agnos, Victor Vodnik, Juan Mejia and Senzatela. Brennan Bernardino offers left‑handed depth. Potential middle relievers are Keegan Thompson, Jaden Hill and veteran John Brebbia. The catching situation pits All‑Star Hunter Goodman against speedy Braxton Fulford. Lefty Brett Sullivan, who has solid experience calling games, also remains in the mix. Fulford’s athleticism gives him a slight edge for the backup role. Infield battles are tight. Rookie TJ Rumsfield is favored at first base over veteran Edouard Julien, though experience remains valuable. Blaine Crim is sidelined with an oblique strain. Willi Castro stands out at second base but could shift to third if Karros is moved down. Ezequiel Tovar locks the shortstop spot. Utility infielders include Ryan Ritter, Tyler Freeman and Julien; Ritter’s performance has impressed Schaeffer. Outfield assignments place Jake McCarthy at left, Brenton Doyle in center and Jordan Beck on right. Mickey Moniak will be the designated hitter and can cover center or right as a backup. The fifth outfield spot may see Freeman, Castro, Ritter or Troy Johnston compete for a role. The Rockies’ journey to recover from last year’s 119‑loss season depends on these decisions. The final roster will emerge after the remaining exhibition games.