Paul DePodesta has made it clear<\/a> that developing a team identity is a priority for the 2026 season. Barring injuries or trades<\/a>, core pieces like Brenton Doyle and Ezequiel Tovar will continue to anchor their respective positions and make life a little easier for the new president. Across the rest of the lineup, he\u2019ll look to evaluate solutions to the perpetual thorns in the Rockies\u2019 side, both for 2026 and beyond.<\/p>\n Aside from center field and shortstop (the only two positions returning the same starter for a fourth consecutive year), the Rox might be closest to crossing catcher off their list of needs.<\/p>\n Things are feeling a little steadier behind the plate with Hunter Goodman taking on the role, starting 97 games as catcher last year. He made some big strides, especially offensively, pacing the team in hits, doubles, homers, batting average and RBI on his way to securing his first Silver Slugger<\/a>. His 3.7 rWAR is also the highest the Rockies have seen at the position since Iannetta\u2019s 3.1 in 2011.<\/p>\n Michael Toglia and Ryan McMahon had first base and third base, respectively, covered in recent years, albeit with varying success. With Toglia being designated for assignment<\/a> this winter and McMahon traded to the Bronx<\/a> last July, the Rockies will have to look elsewhere.<\/p>\n Toglia was a solid power contributor in 2024 (25 HR, 2.2 rWAR) but had a fall from grace after struggling in 2025 with a negative rWAR, a .190 batting average and a top 5 finish in strikeouts. The Rockies recently claimed<\/a> Troy Johnston off of waivers and could use him as a bridge while top prospect Charlie Condon grows into the role at first. SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 28: Kyle Karros #12 of the Colorado Rockies fields the ball against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on September 28, 2025 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham\/Getty Images) Getty Images<\/p>\n Kyle Karros will look to pick up where he left off after the McMahon deal and get the bulk of the reps at third. In 43 games in the bigs last year, Karros had a slash line of .226\/.308\/.277. McMahon left big shoes to fill, and Karros will need to continue to grow into them offensively to be the long-term option.<\/p>\n Where They\u2019re Desperate<\/p>\n Left and right field are where things devolve into a very unfunny version of \u201cWho\u2019s on First?\u201d<\/p>\n The organization was stockpiling a surplus of outfielders across drafts, but some of these promising prospects have floundered and are no longer in the pipeline (or with the organization). Luckily, there\u2019s a good bit of potential waiting in the wings to be explored, as Jordan Beck continues to develop, and Zac Veen (No. 7 mid-season PuRP<\/a>) and Cole Carrigg (No. 6 mid-season PuRP<\/a>) look to climb into the platoon.<\/p>\n CHICAGO, IL – MAY 26: Jordan Beck #27, Mickey Moniak #22 and Brenton Doyle #9 of the Colorado Rockies talk in the seventh inning during the game between the Colorado Rockies and the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on Monday, May 26, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Griffin Quinn\/MLB Photos via Getty Images) MLB Photos via Getty Images<\/p>\n Right field has been tough to crack. Beyond the Kris Bryant problem<\/a>, the spot has seen prospects stall and veterans dip in production. It felt like Veen might finally get the bulk of playing time in 2025, but he struggled in his time in the majors, batting just .118 over 12 games. As he tries to rebound, Mickey Moniak is set to be the frontrunner for 2026. Moniak didn\u2019t quite live up to his ceiling last year but still had a better on-base percentage (.270) than most of the roster. The team was impressed enough to bring him back on a one-year contract. Even as other prospects climb the ranks, Moniak should command a share of the games and could flourish as a fourth outfielder in the rotation as things move on, at the very least.<\/p>\n The Rockies\u2019 future obviously won\u2019t come to fruition in the 2026 season alone. There are too many holes to fill after years of roster churn and failed prospects.<\/p>\n After clearing house of several early round draft picks, the new leadership has made it clear that they are looking to identify which players are worth building around.<\/p>\n Colorado won\u2019t be securing its first divisional crown anytime soon, but if the Rox can leave the season with fewer positional question marks, clearer pathways for prospects and their development, and a few emerging everyday players, it will feel like the franchise\u2019s prolonged rebuild will have a meaningful direction.<\/p>\n Yankees claim OF Yanquiel Fernandez off waivers from Rockies | Yahoo! Sports<\/a><\/p>\n Continuing a trend of bringing in former Rockies, New York claimed Fernandez off waivers. The 23-year-old Fernandez will look to turn the page in a new setting after slashing .225\/.265\/.348 in 52 game appearances with Colorado. The Yankees designated pitcher Dom Hamel for assignment to clear space for Fernandez on the 40-man roster.<\/p>\n![\"SAN](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/gettyimages-2238159897.jpg\"\/)
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"CHICAGO,](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/gettyimages-2216600272.jpg\"\/)
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