The Colorado Rockies offseason is beginning to take shape as they announce that three players have cleared outright waivers and elected free agency. Right-handed pitchers Dakota Hudson and Peter Lambert, along with outfielder Jake Cave, have opted to test the open market rather than accept an assignment to Triple-A Albuquerque. Shedding the three players to reaches a current 40-man roster count of 38. By clearing waivers, Hudson, Lambert, and Cave’s departures serve as de facto early non-tenders, given their arbitration eligibility this winter.
The Rockies announced today the following players have cleared outright waivers and elected free agency in lieu of an assignment to Triple-A:
– RHP Dakota Hudson
– RHP Peter Lambert
– OF Jake CaveThe Rockies have 38 players on the 40-man roster (plus two 60-day IL).
— Rockies Club Information (@RockiesClubInfo) October 18, 2024
Rockies’ Hudson, Lambert, Cave Elect Free Agency
Cave, 32, departs after a single season with the Rockies. Acquired from the Philadelphia Phillies for cash before the 2024 season, as a result, Cave produced modest numbers, hitting .251/.290/.396 with 7 home runs and 37 RBI in 123 games. His seven-year MLB career stats stand at .236/.292/.400. By letting Cave go, the Rockies shed a projected $1.8 million in salary, creating flexibility to address outfield needs.
Hudson, 30, concluded his lone season with the Colorado Rockies with underwhelming results. Signed to a $1.5 million contract, Hudson’s statistical performance included a 6.17 ERA, 2-12 win-loss record, 50:49 K:BB ratio in 89 innings pitched across 18 starts. The Rockies declined to bring back Hudson for 2025, dodging a $2.3 million projected salary.
Lambert, 27, was a second round pick of the Rockies in the 2015 MLB Draft. He debuted in 2019 with 19 starts and a 7.75 ERA. He required Tommy John surgery in July of 2020, missing most of the 2021 season. Minus his right forearm inflammation limiting him to four minor league appearances in 2022, Lambert has been relatively healthy for the past two seasons. Since the start of 2023, Lambert has thrown 148 2/3 innings, but consequently, his performance has been marred by a 5.51 ERA, an 8.7 percent walk rate, and a subpar 18.5 percent strikeout rate. He was projected to earn $1.5 million next year.
With Hudson, Lambert, and Cave’s departures, the Rockies continue to shape their roster for the 2025 season. These moves clear payroll space and create opportunities for new talent to emerge.
Main Photo: © Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
