– Last Updated on November 21, 2022 4:48 pm
Rockies 2017 Season Preview
Ready to check out our 2017 Colorado Rockies predictions? The Rockies are a sneaky pick in 2017, even with the weird major free agent acquisition they made. The team will be looking to possibly make a playoff run, but the NL West will be a daunting task to climb.
MLB Rockies Predictions & Handicapping Insight
2017 MLB Team Previews – Colorado Rockies
- National League West -Off
- National League +Off
- World Series +Off
Key Additions:
- Ian Desmond
- Michael Dunn
- Greg Holland
Signing Ian Desmond would normally not be viewed with a lot of scrutiny, but the Rockies signing him to play first base raised a lot of eyebrows.
The length of the contract (5 years, $70million) means that the Rockies are banking on Desmond learning the defensive nuances of 1st base as a veteran, while also providing a healthy bat in the lineup.
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Dunn and Holland were both brought in as huge acquisitions to shore up the bullpen. Dunn should be pegged as the closer from day one, but there may be competition as spring training finishes up.
Holland will provide excellent relief and brings a veteran presence with a few seasons of an ERA under 2 to Colorado. Both pitchers should make immediate impacts.
Key Losses:
- RP Boone Logan
The loss of Logan was a significant one at the time, but the rockies made key free agent deals to shore up that spot of the pitching staff.
Rockies Predictions: Projected Lineup:
- CF Charlie Blackmon
- 2B DJ LeMahieu
- 3B Nolan Arenado
- RF Carlos Gonzalez
- 1B Ian Desmond
- LF David Dahl
- SS Trevor Story
- C Tony Wolters
Having such a potent hitter like Charlie Blackmon at the top of the order should do wonders for the Rockies offense in 2017.
Last year he belted out 29 homeruns and hit .321. He should continue to be one of the best hitters in the National League, but there may be a downswing in homeruns since he has hit that 30 year old plateau.
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DJ LeMahieu is arguably the best contact hitter in the Majors, after he knocked out a .348 average last season. His .416 on base percentage was also very good and hitting before Nolan Arenado should mean big things for the Colorado offense.
Arenado is one of the best players in the MLB, and after posting back to back 40+ homerun seasons it won’t be much of a surprise if he gets MVP consideration in 2017.
His power is matched by few in the league and I expect him to make it a third straight season topping the 40 homerun mark.
At the bottom of the lineup look for youngster David Dahl to make a huge impact.
The talented outfielder hit .315 in 63 games last season and hit 7 homeruns. A full season under his belt should see him in the .290 range, which would be excellent for your #8 hitter.
Rockies Predictions: Projected Rotation:
- RH Jon Gray
- RH Chad Bettis
- LH Tyler Anderson
- RH Tyler Chatwood
- RH Jeff Hoffman
Jon Gray was 10-10 last season, but the young pitcher should improve this year and could possible put up an 18 win season if some breaks fall his way.
Left Tyler Anderson will be a good change of pace pitcher as the #3 starter, and should give batters fits even in a hitters ballpark.
The sneaky surprise could be righty Jeff Hoffman, who is one of the top prospects in all of baseball. Expect him to improve on his 0-4 record of last season as he could get to 10 wins.
Rockies Predictions: Projected Closer:
- RH Adam Ottavino
Ottavino’s position in the rotation could be closer or the 8th inning setup man, but I believe he will be called upon in the 9th to close out games.
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His 2.67 ERA was pretty good last season, and even though he will be 31 during the season, there is still enough left in the tank for the Rockies to be players in the NL West.
2017 Colorado Rockies Prediction:
The Rockies are stacked with young talent on their main roster and in the farm system, and they could have a breakout year on offense, and with the pitching staff.
A 80 win season should be the goal, while anything less than 70 wins should be considered a disaster.
What do you think of our 2017 Colorado Rockies predictions? Comments are welcome below.
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