Here's how the Rockies' Opening Day roster may shape up

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- The Rockies will begin Spring Training excited about the younger players who have worked their way into the lineup and bullpen in recent years, while also crossing their fingers that significant starting pitchers and lineup figures find the health and consistency that has been missing.

It all leads to a competitive camp for a team. Here is a first projection of the roster that will face the Rays in Tampa on Opening Day:

Catcher (3): Jacob Stallings, Hunter Goodman

Stallings re-signed after showing that he can be effective offensively and defensively while playing in half the games. Goodman found consistency with the bat as last season progressed, and he can move to the outfield for more playing time. Drew Romo, the team's No. 8 prospect in 2024, had a strong season at Triple-A Albuquerque, but he must show significant throwing improvement to convince the Rockies to carry three catchers.

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First baseman (1): Michael Toglia

Toglia struggled early last year and was optioned to Triple-A, but he found his swing and power upon his return. The Rockies believe he¡¯ll quickly earn a reputation as one of the game¡¯s better defenders at first base.

Second baseman (1): Thairo Estrada

The Rockies are counting on Estrada being the lineup catalyst he was 2022-23 with the Giants, before injuries marred his 2024. His presence means development time for 2024 No. 5 prospect Adael Amador and No. 12 prospect Ryan Ritter.

Shortstop (1): Ezequiel Tovar

A first-time Gold Glove winner and the National League leader in doubles last year with 45, Tovar is on the edge of stardom. Just an incremental increase in patience at the plate could put him in lofty company.

Third baseman (1): Ryan McMahon

McMahon, a four-time Gold Glove finalist, was an All-Star last year, but as has been his pattern in recent years, he tailed off dramatically at season¡¯s end. More rest and some adjustments in his preparation are planned to hopefully make him more consistent.

Outfielders (3): Nolan Jones, Brenton Doyle, Kris Bryant

Will Bryant shake three years of injury and give the Rockies what they expected when they signed him to a seven-year, $182 million contract before the 2022 season? The plan is for Bryant to play the outfield on the road and designated hitter at home. Doyle is coming off two consecutive National League Gold Glove Awards to start his career, plus a 2024 performance at the plate that has the Rockies believing he could be a leadoff man. Jones sparkled in ¡®23 and struggled in ¡®24.

Spring Training will bring opportunities for Zac Veen (No. 3 prospect in 2024), Yanquiel Fernandez (No. 5) and Benny Montgomery (No. 16), among others.

DH (1): Jordan Beck

Beck, the 38th overall pick in 2022, breezed through the Minors, only to sustain a left hand injury in the Majors last season. Expect Beck to be an outfield option at home, when the Rockies will mix Bryant in at designated hitter.

Bench/Utility (2): Kyle Farmer, Sam Hilliard, Aaron Schunk

Tovar and McMahon pride themselves on always being available, but the Rockies believe they will be better with more frequent rest. Signing Farmer gives them an experienced part-time starter. Doyle showed signs of wear from playing the difficult center-field position at Coors Field, so expect Hilliard to have some opportunities in center, as well as in the corners. Schunk could earn Major League at-bats with a strong spring, but also could be the odd man out if the Rockies carry three catchers.

Starting pitchers (5): Kyle Freeland, Ryan Feltner, Austin Gomber, Germán Márquez, Antonio Senzatela

Time is running out for this group to produce the way the Rockies expected when they committed to them. Freeland and Senzatela are toward the end of long-term deals, M¨¢rquez is in the final year of his contract and Gomber is in his last year of arbitration. But if that group plus Feltner, who may have the best stuff on the current staff, can stay healthy, the Rockies can dream. The 2023 first-round pick, 2024 No. 2 prospect Chase Dollander, will be given a chance to push his way into the rotation, as will left-hander Carson Palmquist, the team's No. 14 prospect.

Relief pitchers (8): Victor Vodnik, Seth Halvorsen, Tyler Kinley, Justin Lawrence, Lucas Gilbreath, Luis Peralta, Jake Bird, Angel Chivilli

The big competition could be for the closer role. Kinley and Lawrence have the most experience, but Vodnik earned the job last season, while Halvorsen showed top-end stuff in a brief trial at the end while Vodnik was dealing with right biceps inflammation. Fast-rising righty Zach Agnos, the team's No. 28 prospect in 2024, will get a look in camp.

Situations to watch: Right-hander Jimmy Herget does not have an option and will have to fight his way into the bullpen. Kinley and Lawrence are the only other relievers who are out of options, so competition could be volatile. Right-handers Jeff Criswell and Jaden Hill (No. 20 prospect) and southpaws Jefry Yan and Palmquist (who will compete as a starter but could get a look in a long role) are young players with a shot. Two experienced right-handers -- Diego Castillo and Jake Woodford (mostly a starter in the past) -- could also earn jobs.