The Colorado Rockies Spring Training is already being tested with their debit. For a team who is looking to get out of the basement, a trio of Rockies are making quite the noise while fighting for consistent play during the regular season. Two of these players could very well make the Rockies’ lineup in 2023 while the other could become a beneficial bench player. Not a single one of these players made the list of players that will be the keys to 2023 success, but all are playing their way to be notable contributors to a rebuilding team in the new season.
Rockies Spring Training Watch
Michael Toglia
Through 41 at-bats, Toglia currently paces the team in several Spring Training categories: hits, at-bats, and walks. He’s also tied for the team lead in doubles. He is currently 12-41 with two doubles and two home runs. His slash line is currently sitting at .293/.383/.488, good for an OPS of .871. While not a large sample size, his stats are still impressive. Last year, the 24-year-old also played games in right field during his first season in the majors. This spring, he has made starts in left field to add versatility.
No. 12 @Rockies prospect Michael Toglia crushes the first pitch for a loooong homer in Cactus League play: pic.twitter.com/QejabLvtiU
— Minor League Baseball (@MiLB) March 12, 2023
However, the biggest concern is his 14 strikeouts to just six walks, a trend that continued from his 111 at-bats at the big league level last season. That being said, it still is an improvement. In MLB last season, he had nine walks to 44 strikeouts, 4.89 strikeouts per walk, and while 2.33 strikeouts per walk are still not elite, it is a positive and significant improvement. Toglia expects to begin the season as a bench/utility piece but is playing his way into a potential platoon role.
Elehuris Montero
Despite continued defensive struggles, the bat of this 24-year-old third baseman is impressive. Montero is slashing .294/.385/.588 for a fascinating .973 OPS. In addition to his offensive stat lines, it’s his power that is his standout tool, having six home runs in only 176 at-bats last season. Meanwhile, in limited MLB action, Montero has three home runs in 34 Spring Training at-bats. The pure home run numbers are up and the strikeouts are down a very positive tradeoff.
It should be noted that Montero is competing for the third base job. His numbers this Spring have proven that he can play that role. He’s showing immense improvement, but his playing time will decide if he can prove quick enough to be an everyday fielder at the hot corner.
Coco Montes
Colorado has been testing Montes, a non-roster player invite to camp. He has certainly had the eye of Rockies coaches as he’s put up strong on-base numbers in the Minors. Even though Montes is the biggest stretch on this list, seeing only 21 at-bats in Spring Training. Despite that, he has two home runs and five hits in those at-bats. His batting average is just .238, but his on-base number is there at .884 OPS. It shows that if he cracks the big league roster in the next few seasons, he may have a potentially significant impact.
Montes has made significant strides in every season he has played professionally, polishing his game for when he gets that call-up. With defensive versatility and a high upside bat, as well as the fact that he is near or even in his athletic prime, 2023 will potentially see a call-up for Montes depending on how the big league players perform as well as any potential injuries.
Photo Credit: © Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
Players mentioned:
