During the 2023 season, the Colorado Rockies were among the worst teams on the mound. They ranked dead last with a 5.67 ERA and last in the majors with 1,129 strikeouts. Last season, through 29 starts, pitcher Kyle Freeland led Colorado with 94 strikeouts. Who will lead the 2024 Colorado Rockies in strikeouts? Can at least one of these Rockies pitchers record 100 or more strikeouts on the season? Will the Rockies rank last in strikeouts during the 2024 regular season?
Predicting the Strikeout Leaders for the 2024 Colorado Rockies
1. Germán Márquez Leads the 2024 Rockies in Strikeouts?
Even though the Rockies starting pitcher Germán Márquez underwent Tommy John surgery last season, and his status to return this season is still unknown, ZiPS Projections predicts that the 2021 all-star will lead the team in strikeouts. They believe Márquez will start 34 games and record 7-10 during the 2024 regular season. In 137 innings pitched, ZiPS predicts Germán will record a team-leading 117 strikeouts.
During the 2022 season, Márquez made 31 starts and compiled a 9-13 record. Through 181 innings, he posted a 4.95 ERA and 150 strikeouts. Germán’s 150 strikeouts led the 2022 Rockies. Following Márquez’s 150 strikeouts was Kyle Freeland, who recorded 131. In 2023, the former all-star had a 2-2 record and 17 strikeouts.
2. Kyle Freeland
With Márquez’ status to return still unavailable, left-handed pitcher Kyle Freeland will most likely be the Rockies Opening Day starter. In 2023, Freeland had a tough go-around on the mound almost through each start he had. Through 29 starts, Kyle went 6-14 with a 5.03 ERA. Through 155 innings pitched, he had just 94 strikeouts. 2024 will be necessary for the eighth-year pitcher, who looks to have a better year than 2023. However, ZiPS believes that 2024 may be a downgrade for Freeland.
In 26 starts, ZiPS believes Kyle will go 7-10 with a 5.24 ERA. Through 138 innings pitched, he’s predicted to put up 87 strikeouts, ranking second on the Rockies pitching staff. There are a lot of concerning questions regarding this 2024 Rockies squad. If Freeland will be the team’s Opening Day starter and first starter in the rotation, he must command his pitches better than in seasons past and make smarter, bolder decisions when he faces certain batters.
3. Austin Gomber
The final starter who could lead the 2024 Colorado Rockies in strikeouts is five-year pitcher Austin Gomber. Last season, in 27 starts, Gomber posted a 9-9 record. Through 139 innings pitched, he had a 5.50 ERA and 87 strikeouts, which ranked second for this ball club. ZiPS Projections predicts that Austin will pitch around the same numbers he recorded last season. They believe that, with 21 starts and 24 games overall, Gomber will put up a 6-9 record. Through 119 innings pitched, Austin is set to have a 5.32 ERA and 86 strikeouts.
Austin has been a part of three of the five major league seasons, and he’s had an even record. In 2021 and 2023 with the Rockies, he went 9-9; in 2020 with the Cardinals, Gomber went 1-1. The soon-to-be six-year major league pitcher must have another year with a positive record. The vitality of this rotation will be crucial to the Rockies all season long, as Colorado needs everyone a part of the pitching staff to bring their A-game every night.
Main Photo Credits: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
