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Playing GM: 4 Moves To Complete the Colorado Rockies Roster for 2026

Originally posted on Just Baseball | By Jordan Leandre | Last updated Dec 30, 2025 2:46 PM ET

The name of the game for the 2026 Colorado Rockies is a proper rebuild.

Since last making the postseason in 2018, the Rockies haven’t won more than 74 games in a season. Since 2022, they’ve peaked at 68 wins with zero finishes above last place in the National League West.

They’ve seen plenty of roster turnover, with the lone remaining piece of their 2018 postseason team being left-hander Kyle Freeland. Since then, they’ve relinquished Nolan Arenado and Trevor Story, while Charlie Blackmon retired. They tried offsetting these losses with a megadeal for outfielder Kris Bryant, but he’s played just 170 games in four seasons.

This offseason brought forth a changing of the guard. They hired Paul DePodesta as president of baseball operations and Josh Byrnes as general manager. They also removed the “interim” tag of now manager Warren Schaeffer, who managed the Rockies to a 36-86 record in relief of longtime skipper Bud Black.

But if ownership expects a miracle, they need a reality check. For a team coming off a 43-119 record, this season is about obtaining future assets. Most, if not all, free-agent acquisitions signed should be seen as half-year rentals meant to flip for more assets in July.

In a continuation of our playing GM series, Jack McMullen and Peter Appel of the Just Baseball Show came up with four moves for the Rockies to make this winter. Let’s break down the moves in detail.

1. Trade Victor Vodnik to the Chicago Cubs

Via Just Baseball

Deal: Trade Victor Vodnik for James Triantos and Jonathan Long

Though not a left-hander, Vodnik fits the mold of reliever garnering big returns this winter. In 2025, he posted a 3.02 ERA with a 54.3% ground-ball rate across 50.2 innings.

His changeup was elite as well, holding opponents to a .103 batting average and a 44.2% whiff rate.

His command remains a struggle; last year he placed in the fifth percentile for walk rate. However, his fastball averages 98.7 mph and the aforementioned changeup gives him an elite-level putaway pitch.

For the Cubs, they need someone to replace the departed right-hander Brad Keller. Getting a controllable young reliever may be in their best interest, but at what cost?

First baseman Jonathon Long — Just Baseball’s No. 14 Cubs prospect — played 140 games in Triple-A last season, slashing .305/.404/.479 with 20 home runs and a 131 wRC+. A lot of his success stemmed from a hot first two months, but he maintained a 120 wRC+ and .394 on-base from June onward.

He placed in the 81st percentile in swinging strike rate, 90th percentile for xwOBA, and 78th percentile for barrel rate among Triple-A hitters.

With the Cubs having Michael Busch, it’s clear Long is blocked. With the Rockies non-tendering Michael Toglia, there’s an opportunity for immediate playing time in Colorado for him.

In addition to Long, the Cubs would send infielder James Triantos — Just Baseball’s No. 8 Cubs prospect. The 5-foot-11 infielder hit his way to Triple-A in 2024, but his lack of power limits his ceiling. Last year, he posted just a 76 wRC+ in 102 games Triple-A.

Like Long, there’s opportunity at the MLB level for Triantos. If not immediately, soon thereafter. The Rockies debuted Adael Amador in 2024, but he’s struggled in 45 career games to date. He’s their projected second baseman, with Kyle Karros at third.

2. Sign Ryne Stanek

Via Just Baseball

Deal: 1 Year, $1.156 Million

Getting a replacement for Vodnik becomes a quick priority for the Rockies, and pivoting to Stanek makes a lot of sense.

Since posting a 1.15 ERA in 2022, the right-hander hasn’t had a sub-4.00 since. However, he’s another guy with an explosive fastball and, historically, a plus splitter. Unfortunately, his recent track record may scare contenders from guaranteeing him a spot.

That’s where the Rockies come in, offering him a one-year deal for just over $1 million to eat high-leverage innings. No matter how he does, the Rockies can flip him for an asset at the deadline. As a result, he’s the kind of low-risk, high-reward signing the Rockies should pursue.

3. Sign Yoan Moncada

Via Just Baseball

Deal: 1 Year, $6 Million

Moncada’s reputation is that of a talented hitter who’s oft injured. With the Angels last year, he slashed .234/.336/.448 with a 117 wRC+ in 84 games.

It’s been years since he paired volume with production, but he’s still only 31 years old. On a one-year deal at $6 million, the Rockies can offer him opportunities at third base. His batted ball data was quite encouraging in a small sample as well.

If he can prove viability in the first half next season, his time in Colorado won’t be long. Plus, he’s still young enough where a productive campaign can afford him a decent payday in free agency next winter.

Similar to Stanek, this is another low-risk, high-reward move for the Rockies. As a team, their third basemen posted a 79 wRC+ and a 22nd-ranked .369 slugging percentage.

4. Sign Rowdy Tellez

Via Just Baseball

Deal: 1 Year, $1.5 Million

Last but not least, why not add some light-tower power to the lineup? In 117 games last season, Tellez hit 17 home runs and posted a 101 wRC+ between Seattle and Texas. Among hitters with at least 200 batted ball events, he ranked 17th in barrels-to-plate-appearance rate.

If nothing else, the soon-to-be 31-year-old will hit some monster home runs at Coors Field. For the fans that show out, he’s an entertaining watch.

He’s historically not a very good defender at first base, but he can rotate between that and designated hitter for half a season. Again, the name of the game is tradable assets. Injuries will happen, teams will be hungry for more pop in the lineup, and Tellez provides that.

On a one-year deal for $1.5 million, he can take his talents to the Rockies.

This article first appeared on Just Baseball and was syndicated with permission.

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