{"id":685082,"date":"2026-04-28T15:36:23","date_gmt":"2026-04-28T15:36:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/685082\/"},"modified":"2026-04-28T15:36:23","modified_gmt":"2026-04-28T15:36:23","slug":"rockies-newcomers-making-strong-impact-early","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/685082\/","title":{"rendered":"Rockies Newcomers Making Strong Impact Early"},"content":{"rendered":"

It has become apparent just over a month into the season that nothing can get a team right quite like playing the New York Mets. Who would know this better than the Colorado Rockies. Who were a sterling 4-23 at this time last year after an 8-1 loss to the Cincinnati Reds. The Mets aren\u2019t quite that bad; they are 9-19. But considering the magnitude of playing in New York and the postseason expectations, it felt that bad during their 12-game losing streak. Which is why it felt like rock bottom for Mets fans when the Mets got swept by the Rockies this past weekend. Going into the series, the Rockies were 3-10 on the road. But for the Rockies, the series served as a nice bounce-back from a heartbreaking 10-8 loss against the San Diego Padres on April 23. While also showcasing the new talent the Rockies front office brought in during the offseason<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Newcomers Leading Rockies to Early Improvement<\/p>\n

It shouldn\u2019t come as a shock that a major reason for the Rockies\u2019 early improvement is the players added this offseason. The Rockies were historically bad last season. Changes needed to be made. But let\u2019s not act like everyone still wasn\u2019t expecting the Rockies to be in last place. The stink of last season will be hard to shake for a while. Hence, the meltdown happening in Queens right now, courtesy of the Rockies bringing their brooms to New York. The Rockies didn\u2019t do themselves any favors with the national perception when they got swept out of the gates at the hands of the Miami Marlins in three games, albeit all one-run losses<\/a>.<\/p>\n

But people slowly began to notice these weren\u2019t the same old Rockies when they were 9-9. Following a three-game sweep of the Houston Astros at Coors Field, April 6-8. Mickey Moniak<\/a> picking up right where he left off<\/a> from last season has a lot to do with the Rockies\u2019 early start. As does the Rockies\u2019 stellar bullpen, which includes newcomer, veteran left-hander Brennan Bernardino<\/a>, who has been excellent. Joining Bernardino are six newcomers, who were brought in this offseason, who are making their presence felt in Colorado. Beginning with the starting rotation.<\/p>\n

Overhaul of Starting Rotation Showing Results<\/p>\n

One of the biggest reasons for the Rockies\u2019 struggles last year was their league-worst starting rotation<\/a>. The unit ranked last in numerous categories. Putting the Rockies in early holes consistently, with Austin Gomber<\/a> and Antonio Senzatela<\/a> ranking as two of the worst starting pitchers in the league, statistically. Nothing short of an overhaul was needed this offseason. It was one of the first things DePodesta mentioned early on. The Rockies would utilize all avenues to improve their porous starting rotation.<\/p>\n

Firstly, DePodesta brought back the elder statesman of the Rockies in LHP Kyle Freeland<\/a>. He also brought back RHP Ryan Feltner<\/a>, who has shown plenty of potential, finishing 2024 as arguably the best pitcher in the Rockies\u2019 rotation. He was one of the top breakout candidates<\/a> on the Rockies for 2025. But was unfortunately limited to just six games due to injury. He has shown that same potential early on this season, but is unfortunately on the 15-day IL with right ulnar nerve inflammation. Freeland is also on the IL currently with a shoulder injury, but is expected to return for the upcoming series in Cincinnati.<\/p>\n

During their rebuild, the Rockies have often been relying on a paper-thin rotation. When one or two injuries happened early, the Rockies would already have a major problem on their hands. Having to rely on a long reliever or a prospect that wasn\u2019t ready to cover multiple starts. The Rockies have proven that isn\u2019t the case so far this year. Thanks in large part to the Rockies\u2019 strategy with their excellent trio of long relievers<\/a>. But also because of the trio DePodesta acquired in free agency.<\/p>\n

Reinforcements for the Starting Rotation<\/p>\n

The Rockies historically have had very little success in free agency when it comes to starting pitching. Due to pitchers not wanting to pitch at Coors Field. But DePodesta held to what he said this offseason in utilizing all avenues to improve the starting rotation. Bringing in righties Tomoyuki Sugano<\/a> and Michael Lorenzen<\/a>, along with LHP Jose Quintana<\/a>. The three veterans immediately became the oldest players on the Rockies\u2019 roster. But that\u2019s what the Rockies have to do when it comes to signing starting pitchers. Pitchers in their prime are not signing with the Rockies in free agency, plain and simple.<\/p>\n

So far, the gamble has worked. The veteran trio has been crucial reinforcements for a Rockies rotation that had three open spots to fill this offseason. Quintana had his best start of the season on Sunday, April 26, going 5 1\/3 innings. Allowing just one earned run on two hits with five Ks to two BBs in a 3-1 Rockies win over the Mets. Picking up his first win of the season in the process.<\/p>\n

On Friday, April 24, Lorenzen pitched seven masterful innings. Allowing just one earned run on seven hits with three Ks to zero BBs in a 4-3 Rockies win over the Mets. He also forced the Mets\u2019 lineup into 11 groundball outs. Per Statcast<\/a>, Lorenzen\u2019s 48.7% groundball rate ranks in the 71st percentile league-wide. Additionally, his miniscule 4.3% BB rate ranks in the 93rd percentile.<\/p>\n

Steady Sugano<\/p>\n

But not to be outdone is Sugano, who has been the best in the Rockies\u2019 rotation so far. The 36-year-old is in just his second career Major League season. After coming over from Japan to play with the Baltimore Orioles in 30 games last season. In three of his four starts in April, Sugano has gone at least 5 2\/3 innings, allowing two or fewer earned runs. With 12 Ks to just two BBs in those starts.<\/p>\n

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Per Statcast<\/a>, Sugano\u2019s 2 offspeed run value and 5.5% walk rate both rank in the 92nd and 88th percentile, respectively. Leadoff walks often come around to haunt pitchers at Coors Field. Sugano and Lorenzen\u2019s ability to limit walks early on this season has been invaluable. The Rockies\u2019 rotation is in a much better place than last year. Largely in thanks to the trio of additions in free agency. But it\u2019s not just the new pitchers making noise in Colorado. Several new faces are helping out the Rockies\u2019 lineup.<\/p>\n

New Pop Added to Rockies Lineup<\/p>\n

Bringing back Moniak this offseason<\/a> was a must. But he and the Rockies\u2019 lone all-star<\/a>, Hunter Goodman<\/a>, were going to need help if the Rockies\u2019 lineup had any chance at improvement this season. They have gotten it, but from unexpected places. Troy Johnston<\/a> was a waiver-add in November who has now become a regular in the Rockies\u2019 lineup and a fan favorite<\/a>. TJ Rumfield<\/a>, 25, is a first baseman that played 138 games at Triple-A Scranton\/Wilkes-Barre in the New York Yankees organization last season.<\/p>\n

Rumfield won the first base job this spring and has not looked back. A welcome arrival as the Rockies first base position has mostly been a turnstile outside of veteran band-aids since the retirement of franchise legend<\/a> Todd Helton<\/a> in 2013. Michael Toglia<\/a> was a potential answer for the future after a strong 2024, but is now in the Reds\u2019 organization following a disastrous 2025<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Among Rockies that have played in at least 20 games, both Johnston and Rumfield are third and fifth on the Rockies<\/a> with WRC+ of 119 and 91, respectively. Johnston leads the Rockies in several offensive categories. Including batting average (.315), OBP (.371), and hits (28). Among Rockies with at least 50 at-bats, Johnston is third with an .821 OPS behind only Moniak and Goodman. Both Johnston and Rumfield are tied for the team-lead in RBI (16).<\/p>\n

\"ColoradoMar 28, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Colorado Rockies first baseman TJ Rumfield (7) is congratulated by right fielder Troy Johnston (20) after a solo home run in the second inning against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
\nCrucial Lineup Support<\/p>\n

They are the only Rockies besides Moniak and Goodman with multiple homers (Rumfield: three home runs and Johnston: two home runs). The Rockies scored 10 runs in their three-game sweep over the Mets. Johnston was responsible for four of those with four RBI. Rumfield finished with only one hit in the series but did have a walk in each game. Which brings us to one of the best things both players have brought to the Rockies besides their needed production. Walks.<\/p>\n

The Rockies had a serious strikeout problem<\/a> last year. In 335 plate appearances, Toglia was the worst in the MLB with a 39.4% K rate. This season, Rumfield ranks in the 82nd percentile with a 15.9% K rate, per Statcast<\/a>. He also has been solid defensively, ranking in the 82nd percentile with one out above average. Johnston is just above league-average with a 20.4% K rate. The Rockies still have plenty of room to improve hitting with RISP. But Johnston and Rumfield are doing their part, and have consistently come up with big hits while avoiding the brutal inning-ending Ks.<\/p>\n

Last but Not Least<\/p>\n

Edouard Julien<\/a> has also been effective in the Rockies lineup. Julien, 27, was brought over to the Rockies<\/a> with RHP Pierson Ohl<\/a> from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for minor-league RHP Jace Kaminska and cash considerations in late January. Julien is fourth on the Rockies with a 105 WRC+. He\u2019s in the top five in several offensive categories on the Rockies including: RBI (10), .761 OPS, .284 batting average, and 21 hits. Two trios of newcomers on the pitching side and hitting side have helped the Rockies improve in a major way. That\u2019s without even mentioning Jake McCarthy<\/a>. Who was acquired from the Arizona Diamondbacks this season. He has joined Brenton Doyle<\/a> as two of the fastest guys in the MLB, in leading the Rockies in their new base-stealing approach<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Excellent Offseason for Rockies Front Office<\/p>\n

DePodesta and the Rockies\u2019 front office have already significantly improved the Rockies in just their first offseason<\/a>. Mostly for minimal money as well. Johnston, Julien, and Rumfield are all in pre-arbitration still. Can\u2019t wait to see what DePodesta and Co. does going forward now that the Walton-Penner group has joined Rockies\u2019 ownership.<\/p>\n

Without the significant boost to the Rockies lineup this season supporting Moniak and Goodman, the Rockies offense would be in a scary place. The Rockies\u2019 rotation would be in a familiar place facing a dearth of pitching depth if not for the three veteran additions made in free agency. Rockies fans were excited when the Rockies finally caved and added an outside voice this season to lead the organization. The additions this offseason are backing up that excitement, and the Rockies are in a much better place at the end of April as a result.<\/p>\n

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Main Photo Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"It has become apparent just over a month into the season that nothing can get a team right…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":685083,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2405],"tags":[3569,4707,5,167,52,4316,2080,2092,131,1022,371,1491,3568,4,58626,23759,168,1945,78580,1033,775,22739],"class_list":["post-685082","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-colorado-rockies","tag-antonio-senzatela","tag-austin-gomber","tag-baseball","tag-colorado","tag-colorado-rockies","tag-coloradorockies","tag-edouard-julien","tag-hunter-goodman","tag-jose-quintana","tag-kyle-freeland","tag-michael-lorenzen","tag-michael-toglia","tag-mickey-moniak","tag-mlb","tag-paul-depodesta","tag-pierson-ohl","tag-rockies","tag-ryan-feltner","tag-tj-rumfield","tag-todd-helton","tag-tomoyuki-sugano","tag-troy-johnston"],"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/channels.im\/@mlb\/116483076674092994","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/685082","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=685082"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/685082\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/685083"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=685082"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=685082"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=685082"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}