The Colorado Rockies have made a key addition to their infield, agreeing to a one-year, $3.25 million contract with infielder Thairo Estrada, as reported by Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. The deal includes a mutual option for 2026 with a $750K buyout. Should either party decline the mutual option, the Rockies can still retain Estrada through arbitration for one more year, thanks to his Super Two status.
Estrada, who will turn 29 in February, started his MLB career with the New York Yankees before finding his stride with the San Francisco Giants following a trade in 2021. He quickly became a valuable player for the Giants, showcasing a league-average bat, impressive speed, and versatile defensive skills. Over 312 games from 2021 to 2023, Estrada posted a solid .266/.320/.416 slash line with a 105 wRC+, 45 stolen bases, and accumulated 7.4 wins above replacement (WAR) according to FanGraphs. However, the 2024 season proved challenging for Estrada. He endured two stints on the injured list due to a sprained wrist, and although he only missed a few weeks, he was reportedly playing through pain for much of the season. This impacted his performance at the plate, where he struggled with a .217/.247/.343 slash line and a 64 wRC+ over 96 games. Despite his defensive prowess, evidenced by 9 Outs Above Average at second base, the Giants decided to outright him to Triple-A at the end of August, leading Estrada to elect free agency after the season. The Rockies are banking on Estrada's ability to bounce back and provide depth and versatility to their infield. With a fresh start in Colorado, he has the opportunity to regain his form and contribute both offensively and defensively. His experience and skill set make him a valuable addition to the Rockies' roster as they look to improve their performance in the upcoming season.
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The Colorado Rockies have signed catcher Austin Nola to a minor league contract, as reported by MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand. Nola’s deal includes an invitation to the Rockies’ big league spring training camp, giving him an opportunity to compete for a roster spot.
Last winter, Nola signed a split contract with the Kansas City Royals but did not appear in a single Major League game during the 2024 season. Despite being briefly called up in June, the Royals' reliable catching duo of Salvador Perez and Freddy Fermin limited the need for additional catcher depth. Nola’s performance at Triple-A Omaha did little to change his fate, as he hit just .174/.260/.298 over 191 plate appearances. Following his release from the Royals’ 40-man roster in September, Nola entered free agency. Now, with the Rockies, he hopes to make an impact and secure a spot in the majors. His versatility and experience could prove valuable as he looks to bounce back and contribute to Colorado's roster. Despite a challenging 2024 season, second baseman Thairo Estrada is garnering attention on the free agent market. The 28-year-old batted .217/.247/.343 with nine home runs over 96 games for the San Francisco Giants last season. While these numbers may not typically turn heads, Estrada's past offensive performances suggest potential value, and he remains at an age where decline is not a major concern.
According to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand, the New York Yankees are among the teams showing interest in Estrada. The Yankees might be considering him for a utility role, which seems the most likely scenario, or as a possible replacement for second baseman Gleyber Torres, who is also a free agent this offseason. In addition, MLB.com's Thomas Harding has linked the Colorado Rockies to Estrada, indicating a broader interest in the infielder's services. 'Estrada's previous strong track record and versatility make him an intriguing option for teams looking to bolster their infield depth. As the free agency period progresses, it will be interesting to see where Estrada lands and how he can contribute to his new team's success. The Colorado Rockies have bolstered their infield by signing Kyle Farmer to a one-year contract with an option, according to reports from Jon Heyman of the New York Post and Robert Murray of FanSided. While financial terms have not been disclosed, Farmer, represented by Beverly Hills Sports Council, returns to the NL West where his career began with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Kyle Farmer's Career Journey Farmer's significant contributions began after his move to the Cincinnati Reds from the Dodgers. Between 2021 and 2022, he played as a versatile infielder for the Reds, hitting 30 home runs and providing nearly league-average offense. The Reds traded him to the Minnesota Twins during the 2022-2023 offseason. In his two seasons with the Twins, Farmer recorded a .240/.308/.387 slash line over 611 plate appearances. His first year with Minnesota was notably productive, with a .256/.317/.408 line, 11 home runs, and 14 doubles in 2023. However, his performance dipped in the past season, hitting .214/.293/.353 with only five home runs in 242 plate appearances. A shoulder strain sidelined him from mid-July to mid-August, contributing to his decline. Consequently, the Twins opted out of their $6.25 million mutual option. Role with the Rockies As Farmer enters his age-34 season, the Rockies are optimistic about a rebound. Known primarily for his work on the left side of the infield, Farmer has over 2000 innings at shortstop and more than 1000 innings at third base. With Ezequiel Tovar at shortstop and Ryan McMahon at third, Farmer is expected to provide depth and flexibility. His right-handed bat and career .283/.344/.468 line against left-handed pitching make him a valuable asset, particularly as a potential platoon partner with McMahon against southpaws. Additionally, he is likely to see considerable time at second base, where he has logged around 800 career innings. The Rockies' decision to bring in Farmer reflects their strategy to strengthen their infield options and add experienced, versatile players to their roster. Fans and analysts will be watching to see if Farmer can bounce back and make a significant impact in Colorado. The Colorado Rockies have announced a crucial roster move, re-signing catcher Jacob Stallings to a one-year deal with a mutual option for 2026. According to reports from MLB.com's Mark Feinsand and The New York Post's Jon Heyman, the contract is valued at $2.5 million, including a $2 million salary for 2025 and a $500K buyout on a $2 million mutual option for 2026. Stallings also has the potential to earn up to $3 million, presumably through incentives or bonuses. With this signing, the Rockies' 40-man roster is now full.
It's no surprise to see Stallings return to the Rockies. After joining the team last year, he had a solid season and clearly enjoyed playing in Colorado. Despite initially declining a $1.5 million mutual option for 2025, Stallings opted for a $500K buyout, likely hoping to secure a higher guarantee. His new deal surpasses the $1 million difference between the buyout and the mutual option, achieving his goal. In 2024, Stallings played 82 games for the Rockies, making 281 plate appearances. He hit nine home runs and maintained a strong walk rate of 9.6%. His overall batting line was .263/.357/.453, translating to a 114 wRC+—his best offensive performance in any season with at least 20 plate appearances. Defensively, Stallings' performance has seen mixed reviews. While he was a standout with 42 Defensive Runs Saved from 2019 to 2021—the highest of any catcher during that period—his defensive metrics have declined in recent years. Over the past three seasons, he has a -15 Defensive Runs Saved rating, including a -6 in 2024. Although outlets like Baseball Prospectus and Statcast praise his blocking skills, they rate his framing and ability to control the running game less favorably. Despite these defensive concerns, Stallings fits well into the Rockies' current situation. Drew Romo, considered the club's long-term solution behind the plate, is still developing. At just 23 years old, Romo made his major league debut but struggled offensively in 16 games. He may benefit from further seasoning in Triple-A, where he has less than 100 games of experience. In the 2025 season, Stallings could serve as a mentor and backup for Romo, or take on more playing time if Romo continues to develop in the minors. Utility player Hunter Goodman is also an option as a third catcher on the roster, but the Rockies might consider adding another veteran catcher to provide additional support. The Rockies are focused on long-term growth, having endured six consecutive losing seasons and over 100 losses in each of the past two campaigns. While there are positive developments within the team, allowing Romo time to adjust to the big leagues is critical. Stallings’ veteran presence can aid in this process, helping with training, developing relationships with pitchers, and other essential aspects of being a major league catcher. Re-signing Stallings represents a strategic move for the Rockies, providing stability and experience as they navigate the challenges of developing young talent and striving for future success. The Colorado Rockies have taken a significant step to protect one of their top prospects by adding outfielder Zac Veen to their 40-man roster ahead of the Rule 5 Draft. This brings the team's roster count to 39.
Veen, a left-handed batter and former ninth overall pick, has been highly regarded for his power potential since his high school days. Although his journey in the minors has been hampered by a left hand injury requiring surgery in 2023, Veen demonstrated a robust recovery this year. He posted a commendable .258/.346/.459 batting line, with 11 home runs in 65 games across four different levels, culminating in a promotion to Triple-A Albuquerque by the season's end. At 22, soon to be 23, Veen may still need more time in the minors, but his major league debut is on the horizon. Ranked as the #7 prospect in the Rockies' system by Baseball America, Veen's stock might have dipped slightly from previous years, but his potential remains undeniable. The Rockies' decision to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft was a straightforward one, ensuring that this promising talent remains part of their future plans. The Rockies' move not only secures Veen's place in their system but also highlights their commitment to nurturing young talent as they look forward to strengthening their roster. Fans are eagerly anticipating Veen's progression and his eventual impact on the major league team. A New Opportunity
Former Oakland Athletics relief pitcher Jack O'Loughlin is embarking on a new journey after signing a minor league deal with the Colorado Rockies. This move marks a significant step in O'Loughlin's career, as he aims to make a strong impression at the Rockies' Spring Training camp. O'Loughlin's Journey Jack O'Loughlin, a promising left-handed pitcher from Adelaide, Australia, made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut with the Athletics in 2024. Despite a challenging rookie season, where he struggled to find consistency, O'Loughlin showcased glimpses of his potential, leaving a lasting impression on those who saw him pitch. During the 2024 season, O'Loughlin appeared in 22 games for the Athletics, posting a 5.02 ERA with 34 strikeouts over 28.2 innings. While these numbers may not jump off the page, his powerful fastball and sharp breaking ball have made him a player to watch. Scouts have noted his impressive velocity and movement, suggesting that with some refinement, he could become a reliable option out of the bullpen. The Rockies' Perspective For the Rockies, signing O'Loughlin is a low-risk, high-reward move. The team is looking to bolster its pitching depth, and O'Loughlin's potential makes him an intriguing addition. Rockies' General Manager expressed optimism about the signing, highlighting O'Loughlin's raw talent and the opportunity for him to develop further within their organization. "Jack has shown that he has the tools to be successful at this level," the GM said. "We believe that with the right coaching and support, he can take the next step in his career and become a valuable contributor to our team." Preparing for Spring Training As O'Loughlin heads into Spring Training with the Rockies, he will be focused on refining his mechanics and improving his consistency. The coaching staff will work closely with him to harness his strengths and address any weaknesses. This period will be crucial for O'Loughlin as he aims to secure a spot on the Rockies' roster for the 2025 season. Looking Ahead Jack O'Loughlin's journey is a testament to the resilience and determination required to succeed in professional sports. His move to the Colorado Rockies represents a fresh start and a chance to prove himself at the highest level. Fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching to see how he performs in the upcoming season. With his talent and the support of the Rockies' organization, O'Loughlin has the opportunity to carve out a successful career in the MLB. As he takes this next step, there's a sense of excitement and anticipation about what the future holds for the young left-hander. In a tweet from the club, the Rockies announced RHP Matt Koch, RHP Karl Kauffmann and LHP Ty Blach have been outrighted off the Major League Roster.
Koch appeared in 39 games with a 5.12 ERA Kauffmann appeared in a 11 games with a 8.23 ERA Blach appeared in 20 games with a 5.54 ERA |
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