Rockies preseason capsule: Rise would be helped by Kris Bryant return to form

Field Level Media|published: Sat 15th March, 10:37 2025

Mar 12, 2025; Salt River Pima-Maricopa, Arizona, USA; Colorado Rockies outfielder Kris Bryant (23) gets ready to hit against the San Diego Padres in the first inning at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

Colorado Rockies

2024 record: 61-101 (5th place, NL West).

He gone: RHP Cal Quantrill, 2B Brendan Rodgers.

New faces: INF Kyle Farmer, INF Thairo Estrada, LHP Scott Alexander, C Jacob Stallings.

Biggest question entering Opening Day: Production from veteran players is key, but the team will need better health to make it happen. OF Kris Bryant has not played more than 80 games in his first three seasons with the club, while proven starters German Marquez and Antonio Senzatela are returning from Tommy John surgeries.

Top prospect: RHP Chase Dollander is expected to arrive this season, with the 23-year-old getting some valuable experience facing major leaguers this spring. Finding command on fastball that pushes 97 mph, with a plus curveball, changeup and slider, is needed.

Breakout player: Oblique, biceps and hand injuries have plagued Sean Bouchard the past two seasons, but the outfielder finally could be in position to contribute after playing just 79 major league games over three seasons. A strong spring suggests Bouchard might get the playing time he was projected for last season.

2025 outlook: After a second consecutive 100-plus-loss season, there appears to be nowhere to go but up for a roster that has some solid young talent in SS Ezequiel Tovar and steadiness from 3B Ryan McMahon. Bryant, Marquez and Senzatela hold the key to reversing the team's losing ways.

--Field Level Media

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