The Rockies, coming off a disappointing 71-win season, desperately need quality starting pitching. Their starters’ 5.56 ERA this past season says so.
For most teams, this would be a good winter to add a cog to the rotation. The free-agent class is deep and talented, with Gerrit Cole, Stephen Strasburg, Madison Bumgarner and Hyun-Jin Ryu topping the list. Plus, there are a number of solid pitchers making up the second tier.
So, why as this week’s winter meetings commence in San Diego, will the Rockies likely be wallflowers in the free-agent dance?
The easy answer is money.