5 blockbuster moves the Rockies must make this offseason ft. Trading German Marquez

The Colorado Rockies were one of baseball's worst teams last year. They're not likely to turn things around in one offseason, nor should that be their goal. It's going to take time and patience to catch up to the San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers in their division, but here are some things they can do to start moving toward that goal.

---

What the Rockies must do now

5) Sign Anthony Santander

The Rockies need Anthony Santander (Imagn)

Anthony Santander is probably going to sign a two or three-year deal at this point. Anything longer is a little unrealistic, but that makes him perfect for the Colorado Rockies. Are the Rockies going to contend in three years? Maybe, but it's not likely.

That is why Santander is the perfect bridge player. He will provide exceptional offense (likely even more so in Colorado) so they're not completely noncompetitive in those years as they continue to collect prospects. Plus, the Rockies need some corner outfield help.

---

4) Trade Kris Bryant

Kris Bryant should be traded (Imagn)

The Kris Bryant signing has been a disaster. Not only has he been pretty mediocre with the team, he's been hurt a lot, too. He makes $26 million, the most on the team, and is signed through 2028. That makes him a difficult player to move.

However, he is a former MVP who is still in his early 30s. Some teams will undoubtedly take a flyer on him for the right price. It may entail eating some of the money, but the Rockies should begin to move forward by moving on from a bad deal.

---

3) Extend Ezequiel Tovar

The Rockies should lock up Ezequiel Tovar (Imagn)

The Rockies have to find some building blocks to start moving into the future. Ezequiel Tovar is as good a candidate as any. He was a Gold Glove finalist and had a 95 wRC+, which is only slightly less than the average MLB hitter.

However, when playing shortstop, great defense with almost average offense is perfectly acceptable. Tovar had 3.7 fWAR in 2024, tied for the most on the team. The Rockies should lock him down for the next several seasons.

---

2) Trade German Marquez

The Rockies should trade German Marquez (Imagn)

German Marquez is a free agent at the end of this season, which means he's very likely to be sought after at the deadline. His value only decreases with every passing gameday, so the Rockies ought to get ahead of it and trade him while he still has a full season of team control.

There won't be as many pitcher-needy teams since there aren't any injuries yet, but there are teams who'd prefer taking Marquez on a cheap salary than signing a free agent for more.

---

1) Extend Brenton Doyle

Brenton Doyle should be extended (Imagn)

Brenton Doyle was phenomenal last year. He tied for the team lead with 3.7 fWAR in just his second big-league season. This was largely due to excellent defense, as he recorded 11 DRS in 2024. He has 30 for his career.

His offense took a huge step up from a 45 wRC+ to 97, which is still below the league average. However, wRC+ is notoriously unkind to Rockies hitters due to the Coors Field factor, so he's been a solid hitter. He is poised to continue his ascension, so the Rockies should sign him to a cheaper long-term deal before that happens.