Purple Row · Mar 22, 2024
Year eight needs to be great for Freeland
This season, the Rockies really need Kyle Freeland. Without Germán Márquez, who isn’t expected back from his Tommy John surgery recovery until at least after the All-Star break, and with an uncertain and unproven rotation, this has to be Freeland’s bounce-back year.
As Freeland enters his eighth MLB season, he’s the clear No. 1 in the rotation. He’ll be making his third career Opening Day start, tying Márquez for most in team history. The time Colorado needs old K-Free is now.
Looking back at 2018, Freeland’s numbers seem even more impressive now than they did then. A 17-7 record, a 2.85 ERA, a 166 ERA+ and a 1.245 WHIP in 202 1/3 innings pitched. He recorded a 7.7 rWAR — in one season.