SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- The final days of Rockies Spring Training are turning competitive, thanks to outfielder Sean Bouchard and veteran utility man Nick Martini showing well enough in camp to work their way into the team¡¯s plans.
The bullpen also remains competitive, with pitchers expected to be on the team vying for prime roles and a host of pitchers fighting for a long-relief role.
With two weeks left in camp, here is a look at how the roster stands.
Catcher (2): 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 is off to a strong offensive start. If performance holds, expect Drew Romo (the club¡¯s No. 11 prospect) to begin in Triple-A Albuquerque. Organization product Braxton Fulford¡¯s technical catching ability has him on the radar, and non-roster veteran Austin Nola is an option in Albuquerque if the younger catchers struggle during the season.
First baseman (1): Michael Toglia
Toglia struggled early last year and was optioned to Triple-A, but found his swing and his power upon his return on June 6. 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
A strong spring from Sean Bouchard, who was projected as a starter last year before injuries prevented him from making the team or having an impact, could lead to him nabbing the left field spot from Jones -- who sparkled in 2023, struggled in ¡®24 and began camp slowly in ¡®25.
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
The early portion of the spring has been slow enough to be concerning for Beck, who as a first-rounder in 2022, breezed through the Minors, only to sustain a left hand injury in the Majors last season. The penciled-in plan is for Beck to start in right field at home, and DH or move around the outfield on the road. But non-roster veteran Nick Martini¡¯s big camp could have him making the team if the Rockies believe Beck needs time in Triple-A to build his swing. Martini also can play some first base if Toglia has a rare day off.
Bench/Utility (3): Kyle Farmer, Sam Hilliard, Sean Bouchard
Bouchard¡¯s strong start to the spring not only could get him on the team, but it could get him into the regular lineup. Doyle showed signs of wear from playing the difficult center field at Coors, so expect Hilliard to have some opportunities in center as well as in the corners.
Starting pitchers (5): Kyle Freeland, Ryan Feltner, Austin Gomber, Germán Márquez, Antonio Senzatela
Gomber backed off on game action after reporting that his arm health and arm speed were off early in camp. But he checked out well after a bullpen session on Sunday, and has time to be ready for the season-opening rotation. Right-handers Bradley Blalock and Tanner Gordon are in position in case of injury to one of the five. No. 25 MLB Pipeline prospect Chase Dollander is being given a long look and has shown electric stuff, but his inexperience shows in game action.
Relief pitchers (8): RHP Seth Halvorsen, RHP Victor Vodnik, RHP Tyler Kinley, LHP Scott Alexander, LHP Luis Peralta, RHP Angel Chivilli, RHP Jake Bird, RHP Jimmy Herget
Halvorsen and Vodnik compete for closer, with Halvorsen¡¯s pitch mix giving him an edge, but Kinley¡¯s strong camp has him getting some consideration for getting his old job back. The biggest roster spot competition is for long relief. Blalock, competing for a rotation spot, has little experience in relief but his capability of replacing a struggling starter for multiple innings has him under consideration.
But don¡¯t forget three right-handed non-roster candidates -- Diego Castillo, a veteran who is more of a one-plus inning reliever; Jake Woodford, who has starting and relief experience in the Majors, and No. 28 prospect Zach Angos, whose diverse pitch mix and strike-throwing has earned him consideration even though he was in High-A Spokane and Double-A Hartford last year. Developing No. 19 prospect Jaden Hill has been impressive in camp, and could be part of the mix at some point if not at the start.