What have we learned about the Rockies outfielders so far?

This year, the injury bug has bitten the Colorado Rockies with a vengeance, a topic my Purple Row colleague Cory Cohen wrote about here. While, justifiably, most of the attention has gone to pitching injuries, the Rockies outfield has been fairly decimated as well. So far this season, they have used nine players in the outfield. Three of those on the IL — Jordan Beck, Brenton Doyle, and Mickey Moniak — were expected to absorb many of the outfield innings during the 2026 season, but they have missed considerable time due to injuries.

Fortunately, if there’s an area in which the Rockies have substantial depth, it’s in their outfield, so while some veterans have seen reduced playing time, younger players (e.g., Sterlin Thompson and Cole Carrigg) are getting their shot.

With that in mind, it’s interesting to see what we can tell about the Rockies outfielders so far.

Two caveats are in order. First, I’ve decided to include Willi Castro in this because the Rockies have used him in the outfield; however, he has seen significantly more innings on the infield dirt. But I was curious as to how he fit in and wanted to include him in this analysis. Second, the innings played will vary wildly, especially given that Carrigg has only been with the Rockies for a week. So while some of these players have provided a useful sample size, others are not there yet.

What the offensive numbers show

Let’s start with what the Rockies outfielders can do at the plate, and for that, I looked to FanGraphs.

In terms of offense, it’s clear that Moniak was on a red-hot tear prior to going going on the IL with an ankle injury. No other outfielder begins to approach the home run power he showed. After Moniak, the other outfielders have been fine but unremarkable — with the exception of Cole Carrigg. With only 38 plate appearances, he’s already hit three home runs. That puts him ahead of two expected starters: Beck and Doyle.

Notable as well is Troy Johnston’s .373 OBP. Whether it’s hitting or walking, Johnston has shown an ability to get on base. (And he’s improving when it comes to facing left-handed pitchers. He is even significantly better than Tyler Freeman in this category.

Consider, too, wRC+. Five players (including Carrigg) have above replacement-level wRC+ scores.

Then there are stolen bases, a place where Jake McCarthy has a clear lead (though, to be fair, Brenton Doyle was on a tear prior to his injury and probably would lead McCarthy were he still on the field).

For comparison, here’s a look at the numbers posted by the 2025 Rockies outfielders.

Granted, we do not yet have a full year of data for the 2026 team, but the early numbers suggest this is an improvement outfield. Beck and Doyle — clearly — having a down year, but consider the improvements the Rockies have made over some of their outfield roster last season. That team only had one player who finished with a wRC+ over 100; the 2026 team is well on track to surpass that.

President of baseball operations Paul DePodesta said his goal was to raise the floor, and he has done that (so far) by adding players like Castro, McCarthy, and Johnston. Plus, Carrigg and Thompson look to be better additional than the players who were promoted in 2025 (e.g., Zac Veen and Yanquiel Fernández).

What the defensive numbers show

The offense may have improved, but the defense does not suggest the same change. Here are the defensive numbers, again from FanGraphs.

This one is a little harder to read because it includes Willi Castro (who has played everywhere) and Troy Johnston (who has spent time at first base), but it shows, generally, an okay defensive crew.

Mickey Moniak and Tyler Freeman have improved but are still below replacement level. Jordan Beck showed significant defensive improvement prior to his injury. Jake McCarthy is fine; Troy Johnston is not.

But the calculus is that improved offensive and defensive flexibility is more important to this front office than Gold Glove defense — and it seems unlikely anyone on this squad will be showing off that particular piece of hardware when the season has ended. Even Brenton Doyle has -2 DRS.

Cole Carrigg may show himself to be a brilliant defender — we’ve seen glimpses of that — but we’ll need more than highlight-reel catches before we can be sure.

In case you’re curious, here’s what the defensive numbers looked like last season.’

On that team, most notably Freeman and Moniak, were significantly worse than they have been so far this season.

But DePodesta’s calculus seems clear: Play acceptable defense; produce more at the plate; and raise the floor.

What’s next

Clearly, decisions are coming.

Moniak is off to a rehab assignment in Triple-A Albuquerque this weekend and will probably be back with the Rockies next week. When that happens, DePodesta will need to make a roster adjustment. Similarly, Jordan Beck and Brenton Doyle have resumed baseball activities, so while a decision is not imminent, it’s coming.

It seems unlikely Carrigg will returns to the Isotopes. He’s shown he’s ready for The Show, and he brings a spark the Rockies have not had in years. Obvious moves are sending down Braxton Fulford and Sterlin Thompson (who has been fine).

But this is a traffic jam that will soon need to be resolved.

And that’s before we get to Zac Veen who’s been on fire in Albuquerque. Dan Szymborski wrote yesterday that Veen appears to be ready, and it’s safe to assume that DePodesta will want to see what he can do now.

Perhaps there will be trades. Perhaps there will be DFA’s. Perhaps there will be demotions. But something will have to give — and when DePodesta makes these choices, it will tell Rockies fans a great deal about how he envisions the Rockies rebuild.

Closing thoughts

That’s it for this week.

Sorry about missing last week. I had family visiting and enough going on that I couldn’t find time to write.

This week, the Rockies will return to Denver for a home stand that will see them facing the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Boston Red Sox, so it should be an interesting week.

If nothing else, this is a better and more-watchable team. I’ll take it.

As always, thanks for reading —

Renee

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Find me on Bluesky at @ReneeDechert.com or send an email to Renee@RockiesPitch.com