{"id":550413,"date":"2026-02-02T13:57:23","date_gmt":"2026-02-02T13:57:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/550413\/"},"modified":"2026-02-02T13:57:23","modified_gmt":"2026-02-02T13:57:23","slug":"colorado-rockies-news-taking-stock-of-the-rockies-toolbox","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/550413\/","title":{"rendered":"Colorado Rockies news: Taking stock of the Rockies\u2019 toolbox"},"content":{"rendered":"

THIS IS A GUEST ROCKPILE BY JAMES RIGGENBACH<\/p>\n

In baseball, we talk about the hit tool, the power tool, the five-tool player. Every scouting report is an attempt to answer the same question: What skills does this player bring to the field, and what could the player become?<\/p>\n

On the position player side, those tools are well defined and broken down into five categories:<\/p>\n

With the Rockies firmly in the \u201cunder construction\u201d stage of a rebuild, I thought it would be fun to take a step back from pure results and look at something else: What tools are in the Rockies\u2019 toolbox right now?<\/p>\n

Some of these tools are brand new. Some have been around for a while. Some are works in progress. And not all of them have translated into consistent production \u2014 but that doesn\u2019t mean they aren\u2019t worth our attention.<\/p>\n

So instead of focusing only on output (AVG, HR, RBI), I wanted to dig a little deeper into the underlying quality of the tools the Rockies currently possess, using Statcast markers like whiff rate, chase rate, exit velocity, and sprint speed to highlight tools that are either elite or emerging.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s start with the foundation of any lineup.<\/p>\n

A good hit tool is the ability to make consistent contact, control the zone, and make strong swing decisions. This is an area the Rockies have long sought to improve, and there are a few names that stand out.<\/p>\n

Tyler Freeman has elite contact ability, producing a 12.5% whiff rate (97th percentile) and an 11.9% strikeout rate (94th percentile) in 2025.<\/p>\n

\"SAN<\/a><\/p>\n

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 12: Tyler Freeman #2 of the Colorado Rockies hits a single during the seventh inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on September 12, 2025 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez\/Getty Images) Getty Images<\/p>\n

Recent trade acquisition Edouard Julien doesn\u2019t have Freeman\u2019s bat-to-ball profile, but does show excellent plate discipline. Julien recorded a 19.8% chase rate and a 10.6% walk rate in 208 plate appearances last season. In 2023, he ranked in the 100th percentile in chase rate and the 98th percentile in walk rate.<\/p>\n

These tools are much needed in the lineup.<\/p>\n

Power is the loudest tool. It doesn\u2019t always come with consistency, but it matters \u2014 especially at Coors.<\/p>\n

Hunter Goodman generates real pop when he makes contact, posting a 12.8% barrel rate (80th percentile) and a 46.9% hard-hit rate (72nd percentile) in 2025.<\/p>\n

\"DENVER,<\/a><\/p>\n

DENVER, CO – SEPTEMBER 16: Colorado Rockies catcher Hunter Goodman (15) hits a long fly ball before reaching second base on a fielding error in the fourth inning during a game between the Miami Marlins and the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on September 16, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford\/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) Icon Sportswire via Getty Images<\/p>\n

Mickey Moniak found the barrel at an even higher rate, producing a 13.8% barrel rate (85th percentile) and carrying an xSLG of .497 (90th percentile).<\/p>\n

Additionally, Brenton Doyle posted a barrel rate in the 72nd percentile and ranked in the 81st percentile in sweet-spot rate. Even Ezequiel Tovar continues to grow into more pop, ranking in the 90th percentile in sweet-spot rate.<\/p>\n

The power potential is emerging.<\/p>\n

Speed creates extra bases, forces mistakes, and can cause headaches for the opposing defense. This is a strength for the Rockies.<\/p>\n

Jake McCarthy, Brenton Doyle, and Ryan Ritter all ranked in the 90th percentile or above in sprint speed, with McCarthy leading the way at 29.9 ft\/sec (99th percentile).<\/p>\n

\"PHOENIX,<\/a><\/p>\n

PHOENIX, ARIZONA – SEPTEMBER 20: Jake McCarthy #31 of the Arizona Diamondbacks runs out of the batters box against the Philadelphia Phillies at Chase Field on September 20, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall\/Getty Images) Getty Images<\/p>\n

Additionally, Freeman, Moniak, and Beck add sneaky impact sprint speed \u2014 with all three ranking in the 80th percentile or above.<\/p>\n

Arm strength and defense keep games close and for a team trying to build, preventing runs matters just as much as scoring them.<\/p>\n

Doyle\u2019s arm is a weapon in center, ranking in the 97th percentile in arm strength \u2014 and his range continues to match the reputation \u2014 with 6 Outs Above Average (92nd percentile). Through an injury-riddled 2025, Tovar posted 3 OAA (83rd percentile), and in 2024 he reached another level entirely with 15 OAA (99th percentile).<\/p>\n

\"MLB:<\/a><\/p>\n

Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports<\/p>\n

This is elite defense at two premium positions.<\/p>\n

Behind the plate, Goodman\u2019s defense is developing. His blocking ranked in the 70th percentile, and his framing checked in at the 67th percentile, giving him a clearer foundation as an everyday catcher.<\/p>\n

Putting the Tools to Work <\/p>\n

When players combine multiple tools, amazing things can happen \u2014 Gold Gloves<\/a>, Silver Sluggers<\/a>, and everyday impact.<\/p>\n

Other times, a tool is more one-dimensional but still incredibly useful: a pinch runner who changes a game with speed; a defensive replacement who saves a late lead; a power bat who only needs one swing.<\/p>\n

The results may not be there yet, but the raw ingredients are \u2014 and 2026 is about learning how to use them.<\/p>\n

Rockies May Have Found a Hidden Gem in Frist Baseman Troy Johnston | Yardbarker<\/a><\/p>\n

The Rockies might\u2019ve stumbled into something real by grabbing Troy Johnston off waivers<\/a> after moving on from Michael Toglia<\/a>. Johnston showed legitimate offensive value with Miami, especially against righties, and now he\u2019s got a clear path to being Colorado\u2019s everyday first baseman. He\u2019s not flashy, but the bat-to-ball skill and positional flexibility make him the kind of under-the-radar pickup this roster actually needs. If he sticks, this could quietly end up being one of their better offseason moves.<\/p>\n

Every Transaction Rockies Made as New Leadership Pushes for Respectability | Sports Illustrated<\/a><\/p>\n

The Rockies responded to a disastrous 119-loss season by bringing in new leadership and immediately reshaping the roster with intention. Instead of chasing stars, they made a string of practical moves \u2014 adding depth, versatility, and pitching help while clearing out underperforming veterans. It\u2019s a reset focused less on quick fixes and more on building a baseline of respectability under the new front office.<\/p>\n

After Rockies baseball, veteran broadcaster Jerry Schemmel finds another calling | Denver Post ($)<\/a><\/p>\n

Longtime Rockies radio voice Jerry Schemmel, who spent over a decade calling games on KOA and became a familiar fixture for fans, was let go again as part of broader layoffs at iHeartMedia. At 65, this marks the second time Schemmel has lost his role with Rockies broadcasts despite his long service and deep ties to Colorado sports. He wasn\u2019t totally shocked given the media industry\u2019s cuts, but the move still hit hard after years behind the mic. Known for his passion in the booth and resilience off it, Schemmel says he\u2019ll lean on that same grit to move forward.<\/p>\n

Please keep in mind our Purple Row Community Guidelines<\/a> when you\u2019re commenting. Thanks!
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