Purple Row
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Jack O’Dowd named Arizona Fall League Breakout Player of the Year
Jack O'Dowd, the Colorado Rockies catching prospect, is named the Arizona Fall League Breakout Player of the Year. The undrafted free agent led the AFL with eight doubles, six home runs and 14 extra‑base hits, ranking third in total bases (50) and RBI (21), fourth in slugging (.641) and eighth in hits (24). He also earned Week 3 NFP Hitter of the Week, hit 15 homers in the Home Run Derby to reach the semifinals, and was selected for the National League Fall Stars roster. O'Dowd previously played in the Frontier League and finished 2025 with Double‑A Hartford.
Could the Rockies use a little more right-handed balance?
The Rockies’ biggest off‑season focus will be starting pitching, but a deeper dive shows a glaring right‑handed imbalance in their lineup. While left‑handed outfielders ranked 10th in left‑field fWAR, right‑handed production in both corner spots plummets – left field’s 73 right‑handed PAs yielded a –10 wRC+ and right field’s 302 right‑handed PAs produced only four homers, a 54 wRC+ and –1.1 fWAR, the worst in MLB. Young right‑handed outfielder Jordan Beck (.134/.192/.179) and Tyler Freeman struggled, leaving Colorado with few viable RH options. The article argues that correcting this handedness disparity, perhaps by adding a dependable right‑handed corner‑outfielder, is essential for the Rockies to complement their pitching upgrades.
Scaling the Rocks: Carrigg and Karros turn two at Wrigley
Colorado’s Cole Carrigg and Kyle Karros deliver the Rockies’ 2026 Defensive Play of the Year: an 8‑5 double play on June 17 at Wrigley Field that sparked a comeback from an 8‑2 deficit. Carrigg’s 99.8‑mph throw from center to third, followed by Karros’ clutch tag on Ian Happ, highlights Carrigg’s league‑top arm (96.9 mph average) and showcases their on‑field chemistry. Although Colorado fell 8‑6, the play earned praise from Cubs broadcasters and underscores the team’s depth, a theme explored in off‑season trade talks and optimism about a stronger offense in 2027.
Purple Row After Dark: Arizona Fall League Semifinals discussion thread
The Salt River Rafters bounce back with a 5-2 semifinal win over the Mesa Solar Sox, earning a spot in the Arizona Fall League semifinals at Camelback Ranch. After capturing the title in 2024, they now aim to dethrone top‑seeded Peoria Javelinas and set up a possible showdown with the Surprise Saguaros, who are heading to their seventh straight championship appearance. Veteran hitters Jack O’Dowd (fourth, first base) and Jared Thomas (sixth, center field) return to the lineup. The game tips off at 7:20 p.m. MT and streams on the AFL website.
Brett Sullivan was a triple threat for the Rockies in 2026
Brett Sullivan emerged as the Colorado Rockies’ surprise triple‑threat in 2026, logging a career‑high 84 games behind the plate while also pitching 7.2 innings in relief. He hit .225/.238/.390 with seven homers, 33 RBIs and a memorable home run on May 26 at Dodger Stadium – the first non‑Ohtani pitcher to homer. On the mound he posted a 4.70 ERA and 1.70 WHIP across four relief outings, including a scoreless ninth against Texas. At 32, Sullivan’s veteran leadership helped guide the young clubhouse, and his versatile contributions earned him a modest 0.3 rWAR ranking among Rockies players. The piece chronicles his offensive spikes, pitching debut, and off‑field impact, offering a full picture of his unique season.
Rockies proved to be a good community teammate in 2026
The Colorado Rockies proved a strong community partner in 2026, raising funds and awareness through several charitable initiatives. Their Hit the Mitt fundraiser with UCHealth donated $10,000 to Athletics & Beyond after two Rockies homers, including Hunter Goodman’s game‑tying three‑run blast against the Giants. The eighth Healthy Swings Home Run Derby on June 4, featuring Broncos players and celebrities, generated $260,150 for Athletics & Beyond’s new Aurora facility. Rockies Charity Night on Aug. 19 supported Clothes to Kids of Denver, and Goodman’s two homers on Sept. 26 spurred Cleveland Guardians fans to contribute $22,000 to the same cause. The team also hosted youth softball and Nike baseball camps for over 270 young athletes.
Scaling the Rocks: Goodman rumors still simmering on hot stove
Hunter Goodman tops the Rockies' hot‑stove chatter as his power and contract through 2029 make him a prime trade chip, alongside catchers Shea Langeliers and World Series MVP William Contreras. Yet Rockies GM Josh Byrnes and exec Paul DePodesta say any extension or move is on hold pending the new Collective Bargaining Agreement’s financial impact, and the club is focused on shoring up its rotation. The roundup also notes Tyler Freeman’s free‑agent signing with Atlanta after a back‑surgery‑limited 2026 season, MVP highlights from Pete Crow‑Armstrong and Yordan Alvarez, and a looming MLB lockout.
Purple Row After Dark: Arizona Fall League Quarterfinals discussion thread
The Arizona Fall League playoffs kick off as the Salt River Rafters, who finished fourth in the regular season, face fifth‑place Mesa Solar Sox tonight at Sloan Park. A win sends the Rafters to the semifinals on Friday, with the championship slated for Saturday night. The Rafters’ lineup highlights two Rockies prospects: Jack O'Dowd (batting cleanup at first base) and Jared Thomas (batting sixth in center field). The game starts at 6:30 p.m. MT and streams on the AFL website.
Heat-throwing Halvorsen’s time as a Rockie came to an end in 2026
Seth Halvorsen’s stint with the Colorado Rockies ends after a turbulent 2026 season. The 26‑year‑old right‑hander, who once boasted a 100‑mph fastball and ranked seventh in MLB for high‑velocity pitches, struggled with shoulder inflammation, a 4.74 ERA in 19 innings for Colorado and a steep drop to a 5.80 ERA across 32 appearances between the Rockies and Dodgers. He was placed on the injured list in July, sent to Triple‑A, and traded to Los Angeles for RHP Nick Frasso and outfielder Landyn Vidourek. Despite flashes of dominance in the minors, Halvorsen’s major‑league performance fell short, leaving his future potential still in question.
Are any of the MLB-bound NPB pitchers fits for the Rockies?
Purple Row examines whether any NPB pitchers heading to MLB this offseason could fill the Colorado Rockies' glaring rotation needs. The piece spotlights 29‑year‑old Hiromi Itoh, who posted a 3.23 ERA and 159 strikeouts over 172.2 innings for the Hokkaido Nippon‑Ham Fighters. Despite a velocity dip from 93‑94 mph to 91‑92 mph and a league‑average ERA, his durability, low walk rate and diverse pitch arsenal make him a safe back‑of‑rotation candidate, with upside if he regains his 2025 form. It also profiles 30‑year‑old Kona Takahashi, a free agent who improved his ERA to 2.54 and ground‑ball rate after revamping his mix in Arizona, potentially fitting as a swingman or back‑end starter. The article weighs their fit for a Rockies staff desperate for innings and upside.
Scaling the Rocks: The multiple ways Jake McCarthy could help the Rockies
Jake McCarthy emerged as the lone bright spot for the 2026 Colorado Rockies, and his contract flexibility could be pivotal as the team searches for pitching depth. Front‑office analyst Thomas Harding suggests the Rockies might trade him this offseason or keep him to prove his performance wasn’t a fluke, while Miles High Sports urges a broad, creative rollout of new arms rather than splurging on a few starters. Meanwhile, rumors swirl that the Rockies may be more inclined to move All‑Star catcher Hunter Goodman, who is under contract through 2029.
Purple Row After Dark: Vote for your favorite Rockies defensive play of 2026
Purple Row invites fans to vote for the Colorado Rockies' top defensive play of 2026. The list, presented chronologically, includes Jordan Beck’s home run robbery (April 11 vs. San Diego), TJ Rumfield’s leaping catch (May 18 vs. Texas), Cole Carrigg’s ivy‑crashing catch (June 16 at Wrigley Field) and an 8‑5 double play (June 17), plus Tyler Freeman’s cannon‑like throw (July 17 vs. St. Louis). An honorable mention goes to Colton Cowser’s walk‑off robbery at Coors Field. Voting closes Friday, 8 p.m. MT.
Parker Mushinski was always ready but rarely called upon
Parker Mushinski finally cracks the Rockies' roster after a turbulent journeyman career. The 30‑year‑old left‑hander, drafted by Houston in 2017, spent 2025 in Cleveland’s Triple‑A system before signing a minor‑league deal with Colorado in March 2026. After a strong 3.38 ERA in 48 innings for the Albuquerque Isotopes, the Rockies called him up on August 4, 2026, where he tossed 6.2 innings over eight games, posting a 2.70 ERA but a 2.10 WHIP and no strikeouts. Designated for assignment on August 19, he cleared waivers and finished the season back in Triple‑A, then entered free agency again. The piece charts Mushinski’s brief MLB stint and his uncertain future.
A pair of free agent starters that could mesh with Rockies new pitching coach
The Rockies could target two free‑agent starters who have ties to new pitching coach Ethan Katz. Erick Fedde, a 34‑year‑old right‑hander who posted a 3.83 ERA over 144 innings for Chicago last season and previously earned the KBO Triple Crown, is projected at about $12 million for a two‑year deal and offers ground‑ball durability that suits Denver’s ballparks. The other option, former first‑round pick Lucas Giolito, carries a more uncertain outlook after mixed recent performances. Both pitchers' connections to Katz could help persuade them to join Colorado as the team rebuilds its rotation.
Scaling the Rocks: Rockies are getting ready for business
Colorado Rockies GM Josh Byrnes tells reporters the club is "ready to be busy" as the offseason looms, even with a looming lockout. He met with GM peers in Las Vegas and signaled plans to address clear roster needs despite limited free‑agent buzz, a point highlighted by Sports Illustrated’s omission of the Rockies. Prospect Charlie Condon emerges as the team’s top Rookie‑of‑the‑Year hope for 2027. The roundup also notes the death of former catcher Bob Boone, Pat Murphy’s third straight Manager of the Year award with the Brewers, and Will Venable’s AL Manager of the Year honor after steering the White Sox back to the playoffs.
Purple Row After Dark: Tuesday, November 10, 2026, discussion thread
During the 2026 MLB General Managers Meetings in Las Vegas, Colorado Rockies President of Baseball Operations Paul DePodesta hinted at possible roster moves. He said the team would keep its options open for free‑agent pitcher Kyle Freeland and also remains interested in bringing back Tokyo’s Tomoyuki Sugano for the 2027 season, though no timeline is set. The brief comments follow a light‑hearted moment where Rockies GM Josh Byrnes and assistant Ian Levin won a pickleball tournament.
Nick Frasso didn’t take long to become a fixture in the Rockies bullpen
Relief pitcher Nick Frannon quickly became a fixture in the Colorado Rockies bullpen after being traded from the Dodgers on July 20, 2026. The 27‑year‑old, a former 4th‑round 2020 draft pick and once a top‑68 prospect, made his MLB debut on August 4, 2026, entering an extra‑innings tie against the Tampa Bay Rays. Though he surrendered a go‑ahead run, he stayed on the roster, appearing in 20 games and posting 21.2 innings with a 5.82 ERA and a 4.38 FIP. Despite a rough September stretch, he finished with ten scoreless innings and shows promise as a long‑term bullpen arm for the Rockies.
Quartet of Rockies Fall Stars reflect on the ‘honor’ of being selected to represent the organization
The Colorado Rockies saw a record four prospects—catcher Jack O’Dowd, outfielder Jared Thomas, infielder Andy Perez and right‑hander Fidel Ulloa—selected for the 20th annual Arizona Fall League Fall Stars Game on Nov. 8, 2026 at Salt River Fields. O’Dowd also competed in the Home Run Derby, sharing the broadcast booth with his dad. While O’Dowd went 0‑1 with a strikeout, Thomas was 0‑2, Perez recorded a 1‑2 hit, and Ulloa earned a hold after striking out one batter and allowing a run. The quartet reflected on the honor and the depth of the Rockies system, the most selections since 2011.
Scaling the Rocks: Star Rookies on Parade
The November 8 Fall Stars Game in Scottsdale showcased the National League Fall Stars, with Rockies catcher Jack O'Dowd starring in the Home Run Derby (third with 15 homers) and then starting behind the plate as his dad Dan threw the ceremonial first pitch. The Rockies finished last in an MLB roster ranking, highlighting pitching as their biggest need. Rookie of the Year voting saw NL winner Sal Stewart and AL winner Kevin McGonigle; Rockies’ TJ Rumfield placed fifth without any first‑place votes. A nostalgic note mentions the Diamondbacks’ live organist, one of only ten remaining in the league.
Purple Row After Dark: Monday, November 9, 2026, discussion thread
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Mickey Moniak is here to stay, despite a second-half slump
Mickey Moniak’s breakout 2026 season proves he’s a fixture in Colorado. After a thumb injury delayed his debut, he surged in April with a .315/.361/.652 slash line and eight homers in 25 games, followed by a power‑filled May despite a dip to .230 average. A birthday‑day triple‑plus‑double on May 14 made him one shy of a cycle. An ankle‑tendonitis stint in late May stalled his momentum, but he rebounded in July, posting a .320/.338/.560 line and 128 wRC+. Trade rumors fizzled, and the Rockies rewarded him with a two‑year, $16.25 million extension through 2028. Moniak’s blend of power and consistency suggests he’s here to stay.
Five things Rockies fans should watch for in the MLB GM Meetings
As MLB’s General Manager Meetings kick off in Las Vegas, the Colorado Rockies’ leadership—including Paul DePodesta and GM Josh Byrnes—will face media questions on Tuesday. Fans should watch for clues on whether the Rockies will jump into a trade frenzy, target specific players as trade candidates, or dive into the free‑agent market to bolster their struggling starting rotation after a mixed 2026 signing year. The meetings also promise updates on recent staff hires, like pitching coach Ethan Katz, and a possible resolution to Kris Bryant’s lingering contract. These topics will shape the Rockies’ offseason strategy ahead of a likely December 1 lockout.
How to play in-5 Trivia on the SB Nation app
The SB Nation app now hosts the daily in‑5 trivia game, where you guess a former baseball player’s name using up to five clues. The faster you answer, the higher your score, which you can share in the comments to compete with fellow fans. The game also offers similar quizzes for the NBA, NFL, MMA, pro wrestling, and 25 team‑specific versions across major sports. To join the MLB version, simply follow the “MLB” community on the SB Nation app and start testing your sports knowledge today.
Scaling the Rocks: Meet Michael McClellan, the Rockies director of baseball analytics
The Colorado Rockies have promoted Michael McClellan, PhD, to director of baseball analytics. McClellan, a former Tampa Bay Rays employee with a physics, engineering and atmospheric science background, joined the Rockies in 2025 and previously focused on hitting alongside coach Brett Pill. In a recent podcast with Ben Lindbergh, he outlines the department’s new priorities, including cross‑sport collaborations with the Denver Broncos, Avalanche and Nuggets to tackle elevation‑related rest and recovery, and highlights the overwhelming response to their analytics internship (over 1,000 applicants). The interview also offers job‑application tips and signals a broader analytics push for the franchise.
Arizona Fall League 2026: Fall Stars Game Discussion
The 2026 Arizona Fall League Fall Stars Game pits National League stars against their American League counterparts, featuring 63 top prospects selected by scouts and reporters. Colorado Rockies have four representatives: sluggers Jack O’Dowd (batting .312/.346/.649 with six homers and a home‑run‑derby semi‑final appearance) and Jared Thomas (recovering from injury, .305/.406/.573 with six triples), shortstop Andy Perez (.257/.337/.419, solid defense) and reliever Fidel Ulloa (0.00 ERA over 8.2 innings, 0.81 WHIP). The game starts at 6 PM MT and streams on the AFL website.
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