Don’t Look Now, But What’s Happening in Rockies Spring Training Has Clues to Chasing History
The Good News: Mid-Pack Performance of Giants in the Making
Fifteen games into spring training, the Colorado Rockies are showing surprising form. With a commendable 10-5 record, they are hanging comfortably in the mid-range of major offensive statistics. Ranking in the top ten across the league in hits, doubles, RBIs, batting average, and on-base percentages highlights a notable return to form after back-to-back 100 loss campaigns. For Rockies fans, it’s a breath of fresh air and a brief respite from the losing culture of the past two years.
“Did you know?” The Rockies lead in home runs has declined since the 2020 season.
Speaking of Losses
It is important to remember that spring training statistics don’t necessarily translate into regular-season performance. Wins and losses during this phase are just a part of the process, allowing teams to fine-tune their rosters and for players to find their rhythm before embarking on a grueling 162-game regular season. However, while wins and losses are not necessarily what matters, trends and performance can help identify underlying problems the Rockies face.
The Bad News: Familiar Struggles Persist
Despite a seemingly strong start, Rockies’ fans shouldn’t get too excited or hope to see improvement just yet. With a strikeout rate significantly higher than the rest of the league, the Rockies have a notable trend of troubled batters struggling to make contact.
The past two seasons have seen the Rockies rank high in strikeout rates, with 2023 and 2024 seeing them soar up the ranks. In 2023, they had the third-highest number of strikeouts in baseball, and in 2024, they narrowly missed the top spot, falling behind by just eight strikeouts.
So where stands the Rockies presently? Already 15 games into spring, and the strikeouts continue. The Rockies have struck out a league-leading 159 times, striking out roughly 10.6 times per game. And in case you thought the strikeout pails were at least just being dragged against non-roster players, it seems they know who the top hitters of the team are.
Who’s Under the Church Tonight?
Sam Hilliard has had his fair share of the Rockies’ demons. He had 12 strikeouts, tied for the fourth-highest mark in the league, and is maintaining a whopping 50% strikeout rate. Also leading the team, Jordan Beck, had ten strikeouts in just 26 at-bats—a 38.5% strikeout rate. Yet again there, the consistency of 2024 of 35.3% in a season where it stood as a worrisome trend.
A New Trend: ‘In Plight for Power’
Every year there has been a drought in home runs that scrolls across four seasons. An issue that had been set aside since the COVID pandemic has been set back as low home run output is a trend for the players of the Rockies. Not since the 2020 seasons did we see such little production.
Why is striking out such a concern? Strikeouts don’t just represent a lack of production, they often signal issues with pitch recognition and plate discipline.
The Laver Gwynn Approach
Bruce LaVern instead addresses “Clear the Brains.” He has a mindset where players focus on one ball at a time. the Driver is used as a scary line-up item: “If we keep failing to hit the ball off the pitcher, maybe we’ll overthrow a whole generation and leave the lineup unhappy. One victory should not displeasure us just because of a swing.”
The Ending: Do They Commit? Written with the Heart
It is just the first 15 games though! Yes, spring training stats can be misleading. Maybe it will end for our champs. But coaching style remains painful.
“What’s Next?” These trends are likely to continue as spring training has no visible path to overcome the strikeout rate.
| Player | Strikeouts | At-Bats | Strikeout Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sam Hilliard | 12 | 24 | 50.0% |
| Jordan Beck | 10 | 26 | 38.5% |
| Michael Toglia | 9 | 26 | 34.6% |
| Ryan McMahon | 8 | 19 | 42.1% |
| Ezequiel Tovar | 8 | 26 | 30.8% |
FAQs
Regarding High strikeouts, is it typical?
No! Too many strikeouts could represent pitch recognition problems and lack of plate discipline. Juniors often tend to settle off.
What Can Be Done to Fix the Rockies’ Hitters?
Encourage young players not to attempt to make loving killing (make them believe no one will last) veterans and promise good things this season. It would help fix the Rockies’ on-field performances at home with fewer strikeouts.
Why is the home runless streak a cause for concern?
Not scoring for home runs is a concerning trend that sees less slate out, absent power, becomes dangerous. If they avoid home runs, too much lazily allows them to focus more on not just striking short onbases but letting misses pile on.
What about the Bullpen?
The top pitchers on the Rocky mound show improvements. Pocket your bills! The Rocky coach continues to make some improvements.
Tyler Kinley Killer
Tyler Kinley, a relief pitcher struggled in 2024 but added a weapon during spring using a new arsenal to bring top-ranked springs into the league. Changes involving mixed arms include Swift Recovery!
Chase Dollander
The big wheel turnaround saw himself with rough outings after his first stellar performance in spring. Here with overconfidence, Chase Dollander may include facing the best competition
Can they improve?
Will they ever improve?
If you are a Rocky fan, we could not here honestly assure that.