What has changed at Rockies camp since I shared my first Opening Day roster projection March 1?
Plenty.
Here’s my Rockies roster projection 2.0. It comes with a caveat there will be more changes between now and the time Colorado breaks camp after an exhibition game against the Detroit Tigers at Salt River Fields on March 24. From there, the Rockies head to south Florida to open the season on March 27 against the Miami Marlins.
Colorado Rockies manager Warren Schaeffer walks to the dugout after making a pitching change during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Feb. 22, in Surprise, Ariz. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
While it’s hard to read too much into spring stats, there are some trends we see with Rockies hitters and pitchers that are pointing toward the players who might break camp with the team … and who needs time in Triple-A before heading to Denver.
Here are the latest projections for the roster with notes from spring so far:
Rotation (5)
Chase Dollander, Kyle Freeland, Michael Lorenzen, Jose Quintana, Tomoyuki Sugano
The change in the rotation happens in the fifth spot, where the battle rages between Dollander, Ryan Feltner and Antonio Senzatela. I originally had Feltner in the rotation, but Dollander has the advantage — for now. Both must work on their control, with one of them likely to start the season in Triple-A. Senzatela feels more of a lock to start the season in the bullpen.
The player who earns the fifth spot likely has a tenuous grip on it to start the season. The Rockies will have depth at the spot should someone stumble.
Bullpen (8)
Zach Agnos, Brennan Bernardino, Seth Halvorsen, Jimmy Herget, Juan Mejia, Antonio Senzatela, Keegan Thompson, Victor Vodnik
RJ Petit was a Rule 5 draft pick for the Rockies and looked to be a strong option to make this year’s team. However, he was escorted off the mound March 1 with what has been diagnosed as a sprained ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right elbow and is sidelined indefinitely.
The Rockies could use an opener more in 2026 than in the past, and manager Warren Schaeffer has listed Agnos and Herget as two players who have the skills and mentality to succeed if and when they employ that strategy.
Catchers (2)
Hunter Goodman, Brett Sullivan
In what has become a fascinating duel for the backup catcher position, Sullivan, a veteran backstop drafted in 2015 by the Tampa Bay Rays, has had a solid spring for the Rockies. He’s batted .500 through 18 at-bats and slugged a pair of homers while also stealing a couple of bases. If he keeps that up, it will be enough to edge Braxton Fulford for the spot behind 2025 All-Star and Silver Slugger Hunter Goodman.
Infielders (5)
Willi Castro, Edouard Julien, Kyle Karros, T.J. Rumfield, Ezequiel Tovar
I didn’t have Karros in my first roster iteration, but he has been playing lights out so far. Through 21 at-bats, he had a .476 batting average and had slugged a pair of homers while also driving in seven runs and stealing three bases. We’re not supposed to read too much into spring stats. But Karros is looking every bit like the third baseman the Rockies need this season.
Colorado Rockies’ Kyle Karros celebrates his two-run home run against the United States during the fourth inning of an exhibition baseball game Wednesday, March 4, 2026, in Scottsdale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Outfielders (4)
Jordan Beck, Brenton Doyle, Jake McCarthy, Mickey Moniak
Beck will see a lot of time in right field this year, giving McCarthy a chance to show off his speed and athleticism in left. He and Moniak will also give Colorado options in center field when Doyle needs a break.
Infielders/Outfielders (2)
Tyler Freeman, Ryan Ritter
Troy Johnston moved out of this group from my first prediction and, thanks to having minor league options, can start the season at Triple-A Albuquerque. Ryan Ritter has grown comfortable playing in the outfield this spring, adding more versatility to the Colorado roster.
Colorado Rockies’ Ryan Ritter watches a pitch against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning of a spring training baseball game Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, in Scottsdale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Projected Opening Day batting order vs. Miami RHP Sandy Alcantara
Tyler Freeman, 2B ( R )
Mickey Moniak, DH (L)
Ezequiel Tovar, SS ( R )
Hunter Goodman, C ( R )
Jake McCarthy, LF (L)
Jordan Beck, RF ( R )
T.J. Rumfield, 1B (L)
Brenton Doyle, CF ( R )
Willi Castro, 3B (S)