The Colorado Rockies enter their March 30, 2025 matchup against the Tampa Bay Rays seeking to shake off the struggles of a difficult 2024 campaign and begin carving out a more competitive identity in the new season. After finishing last year with a 61-101 record, the Rockies face modest expectations but also some cautious optimism centered around their developing core of young players. With one of the youngest rosters in baseball and a clear rebuild underway, Colorado isn’t expected to contend in the ultra-competitive National League West, but management and fans alike are watching closely to see if a few cornerstone talents can emerge and lead the franchise back to relevance over the next few seasons. The series against the Rays presents a litmus test, giving Colorado a chance to show it can compete on the road against a polished, well-managed team. The Rockies’ offensive upside begins with shortstop Ezequiel Tovar, who is coming off a 2024 season in which he hit .269 and showed flashes of both power and contact ability. Tovar is expected to be a major part of the Rockies’ future, with his glove work at short and ability to hit for average making him a true building block. Alongside him is Ryan McMahon, the veteran third baseman who remains a consistent source of power and defense at the hot corner. McMahon hit 23 home runs last year and continues to provide leadership in a clubhouse filled with younger talent. Brenton Doyle, one of the few bright spots in 2024, blasted 23 homers and drove in 72 runs, and his athleticism in the outfield gives the Rockies range and arm strength they’ve lacked in recent years.

Colorado’s biggest area of concern remains pitching, particularly in road games where they’ve historically struggled. Kyle Freeland, a longtime member of the rotation, is still seen as a stabilizing force even though his 2024 numbers—5.24 ERA with a 5-8 record—suggest otherwise. Injuries and inconsistency plagued the Rockies’ staff last year, and the organization is hoping for bounce-back performances from both Freeland and younger arms like Ryan Feltner or Noah Davis. The bullpen has a few intriguing arms, but it’s far from reliable in late-game situations. With Coors Field inflating offensive numbers, Colorado’s challenge has always been finding pitchers who can thrive at home while maintaining confidence on the road—something this series in Tampa will test early. Defensively, Colorado is solid but unspectacular. Tovar and McMahon anchor the infield with good range and strong arms, and Doyle provides excellent coverage in center field. However, lapses in fundamentals and routine mistakes often cost them in close games. Improving defensive efficiency and limiting mental errors are points of emphasis heading into 2025. The team is also working to be more aggressive on the basepaths, with players like Doyle and Tovar giving them some speed to take extra bases and put pressure on opposing pitchers. This game against Tampa Bay is a chance for the Rockies to set a different tone for the season. Winning on the road, especially against a well-rounded team like the Rays, would serve as an early confidence boost for a young roster still learning how to win. While Colorado isn’t built for contention yet, games like this will show whether they have the grit, talent, and discipline to take the first steps toward a competitive future.