Three building blocks for the Rockies

The Colorado Rockies are already looking toward next season.

The 17-58 Rockies have the worst record in the majors. The biggest question surrounding the Rockies this season involves which players will be traded at the deadline. However, the cupboard is not completely barren — there are a few players on the roster who are worth building around.

Let's take a look at three potential building blocks for the Colorado Rockies.

Shortstop Ezequiel Tovar

Despite being just 23 years old, Tovar has begun to establish himself as a solid major league option. An excellent defensive shortstop, Tovar led the National League with 17 runs saved at the position in 2024 en route to winning his first Gold Glove award. Chances are, it will not be his last.

While Tovar's production with the bat has slipped a bit this season, he is still a valuable player due to his defense. As long as he can provide even slightly below-average numbers with the bat, his glove will make him a cornerstone player. The seven-year, $63.5 million extension he signed ahead of the 2024 season could be a bargain.

Left fielder Jordan Beck

Beck had a miserable showing in his rookie season in 2024, posting a .188/.245/.276 batting line with three homers, six doubles and seven steals in his 184 plate appearances, striking out 65 times. While he was regarded as one of the Rockies top prospects due to his power and speed potential, he did not make enough contact for his skills to translate.

While Beck is never going to be confused for a contact hitter, he has improved his command of the strike zone. His 28.3% strikeout and 7.1% walk rates are an improvement over 2024. Beck enters Friday with a .263/.323/.474 batting line in his 254 plate appearances, hitting nine homers and 14 doubles while stealing eight bases. If he can continue to improve his plate discipline as he gets acclimated to the majors, he could live up to his potential as a possible 20-20 player in Colorado.

Catcher Hunter Goodman

Although Goodman was primarily a catcher in college, the Rockies experimented by playing Goodman at first, left and right. While he made his major league debut two years after being drafted, he was unable to establish himself as a viable major league option as he shifted around the diamond.

That is no longer the case this season. Goodman has taken over as the Rockies' primary catcher, slotting in as their designated hitter when he is not behind the plate. That stability has helped Goodman produce a .285/.328/.518 batting line in 293 plate appearances, setting career highs with 14 homers and 16 doubles. His defense may force a move elsewhere, but his bat makes him someone the Rockies can build around.