Three questions surrounding the Rockies in the offseason

It is difficult to see progress for the Colorado Rockies just by looking at their record.

The Rockies ended the season at 58-104, their fourth consecutive 100+ loss season. As disappointing as their season may have been, that record marked a 15-game improvement over their franchise worst 43-119 showing in 2025. 

However, progress may not result in a marked improvement in wins and losses in the short term. The Rockies play in the NL West, lumped in with the powerhouse Los Angeles Dodgers and the competitive San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks. 

The Rockies will look to take another step toward respectability in 2027. Here are three questions ahead of the offseason.

Three questions for the Colorado Rockies

1. Is this the end for Kyle Freeland with the Rockies?

Freeland had one of his worst seasons in the majors in 2026, posting a 6.65 ERA and a 1.522 WHIP over his 135.1 innings, striking out 108 batters with 29 walks. That type of performance would likely lead to a low-cost one-year contract with a team looking for a bargain in the back of the rotation or a minor league deal.

That does not necessarily mean that his time with the Rockies will end. The Rockies need to find bodies to fill out the rotation as they continue the rebuilding process. Freeland will not get the $17 million he would have been due if he reached 170 innings to trigger his vesting option, but he could return at a discount.

2. How aggressively will the Rockies shop their players?

After years of ignoring the trade deadline, the Rockies actually shipped veteran pieces out to begin their rebuilding process. While that was a step in the right direction, the Rockies also inexplicably held on to players who may not be a part of their next competitive roster.

Each possible trade option has flaws. Outfielder Mickey Moniak has solid power but was drastically better at Coors Field than on the road and is under team control for one more year. Fellow outfielder Jake McCarthy is under team control through 2028 and had a career year in 2026, but other front offices may not value him as highly as the Rockies. Utility man Willi Castro would be a solid depth option for a contender and could be the Rockies' most valuable trade chip aside from catcher Hunter Goodman. Unless the Rockies are willing to listen to offers on those players, they may simply tinker around the edges, looking for possible bounceback options to move at the trade deadline.

3. Will the Rockies bite the bullet on Kris Bryant?

The Rockies' ill-advised signing of outfielder Kris Bryant has been a disaster. He has posted a disappointing .244/.324/.370 batting line over his 712 plate appearances with the Rockies, hitting 17 homers and 29 doubles. A litany of injuries, including a degenerative condition in his back, has kept Bryant to only 170 of the Rockies' 810 games over the past five years.

At this point, Bryant may never set foot on a diamond again as an active player. However, he still has two years and $54 million left on his contract. Nonetheless, the best option for both sides may be for the Rockies to cut their losses and find a way to buy out Bryant, letting him retire while they get something back to help rebuild the roster.