With the temperatures dipping to subzero degrees in Denver, it’s hard to imagine playing a baseball game, let alone sitting through one. But baseball is in full swing for the Rockies as the preseason schedule got underway this week in balmy Arizona instead. Pitchers and catchers reported last week, with the entire team assembling this week ahead of their first game against the D-Backs on Friday. The team will try to rebound after their worst two consecutive seasons since their inception in 1993: 101 losses in 2024, preceded by 103 losses in 2023. They posted the most losses of any team in the National League last season.

But like any other team in the majors, they start anew with hopes and aspirations to rise to the top. For the Rockies, when you’re at the bottom, there is only one direction to go unless they outdo their horrendous record. Three key areas the Rockies will try to earmark for keys to success are getting the most out of their established veterans, avoiding lingering injuries, and contributions from key prospects paving their path in the big leagues.

Not a part of a typical route to success is the addition of proven talent via free agency. Using the existing roster will be the means to an end for the Rockies. Still looking for a return on their investment four years ago with the $182 million signing of Kris Bryant, the Rockies hope to get an entire season out of the oft-injured Bryant. The steep contract has hindered the Rockies from adding other significant additions to the roster. They will look to Bryant to be a presence in the locker room as the new talent arrives for the Rockies, who could use some direction as they develop.

“For us to go offensively, you need everybody,” Rockies manager Bud Black said. “But there are certain players who have talent and need to do what they’re capable of. Kris has been hampered by several things physically that have kept him from being Kris Bryant. “So we need that from him.”

In the meantime, the Rockies will look for ways to help extend Bryant’s playing time on the field with a mixture of position playing and being a designated hitter. As Bryant prepares for his fourth season with the Rockies, he has played 159 games over his three seasons since signing the seven-year contract. That is three fewer games of a 162-game season.

“Health is such a big determinant of anybody with talent,” Black said. “Kris just hasn’t been right since he’s been here for a couple of different injuries. Where he is age wise, there’s a high degree of pride and motivation to make this right and to get on the field and play. I don’t think you lose that where he is in his career.”

Bryant started his career with the Chicago Cubs, going from being the Rookie of the Year in 2015 to being named the MVP for the NL and winning the World Series with the Cubs in 2016. Although he may never return to the form that brought that success due to his back injuries, Bryant looks to complete an entire season with the Rockies and give them a noteworthy return on their investment.

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