Rockies

MLB National League West Los Angeles Dodgers 2022

In 2021, the Rockies struggled to the tune of a 74-87 record, good for fourth in the NL West, 32.5 games behind the San Francisco Giants.

2021 was an especially tough season to be in the NL West, as the two best records in all of baseball came from the division. The Giants finished with 107 wins while the Dodgers finished with 106.

Unfortunately, things may not get too much better in 2022. The team is likely to lose star shortstop Trevor Story to free agency, and they already lost starter Jon Gray as he signed with the Texas Rangers.

When you add the fact they traded perennial All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado last offseason, this is a team short on star power.

Still, the Rockies did make a couple of signings before the MLB lockout. They re-signed first baseman CJ Cron to a two-year deal while also signing Jhoulys Chacin on a one-year deal.

The Rockies also have some legitimate talent down on the farm. Their top two prospects (outfielders Zac Veen and Benny Montgomery) are still likely years away from the big leagues.

Their next three might be a lot closer, though, as pitcher Ryan Rolison, third baseman Elehuris Montero, and outfielder Ryan Vilade are knocking on the big league door.

Unfortunately, management has been a bit of a mess for years in Colorado as the team came under heavy scrutiny for how poor their return was perceived to be in the Arenado trade with the Cardinals.

At the end of the 2021 season, the team announced that Bill Schmidt was taking over the general manager position. Rockies fans are hoping to see some stronger decision-making as there is a lot of work to turn this team into a contender.

MLB National League West Colorado Rockies History

As one of the youngest teams in baseball, the Colorado Rockies were established in 1993 as an expansion team.

The Rockies were one of two new teams that season as the Florida Marlins also became a new expansion team. Doing this would allow the National League to have as many teams as the American League.

The two teams took part in an expansion draft on November 17, 1992. Able to pick players from both leagues, the Colorado Rockies chose pitcher David Nied from the Atlanta Braves with their first pick.

The rest of their top five picks in the draft included third baseman Charlie Hayes (Yankees), pitcher Darren Holmes (Brewers), outfielder Jerald Clark (Padres), and outfielder Kevin Reimer (Rangers).

As a newer team, the Rockies have known no other division than the NL West, where they still compete today.

For the first two seasons, the Rockies played their games at Mile High Stadium. However, in 1995, the organization opened the doors to its current stadium, Coors Field.

Going back to the 1993 season, the Rockies are a combined 2,133 – 2,401, good for a .470 winning percentage.