PHOENIX — Rockies general manager Bill Schmidt doesn’t do timetables. Or predictions. At least not publicly.
But after six consecutive losing seasons, including back-to-back 100-loss seasons in 2023-24, Schmidt was decidedly upbeat Tuesday at the annual Cactus League media day.
“The young guys, the talent that’s in this camp, they are getting closer to being able to be a factor on the ballclub,” said Schmidt, who’s entering his fourth season as the GM. “We’ll see where that goes.”
Schmidt added that the Rockies have their most competitive spring training in at least the last three years.
The competition is most acute in the bullpen, where several young relievers, led by right-handers Seth Halvorsen and Victor Vodnik, are battling for jobs.
But there is also competition in the starting rotation and the outfield.
“We have young guys who are talented, so now we’ll see who’s close and who needs more time,” he said. “Even though you don’t necessarily have to make the team out of spring training, that doesn’t mean that in a month or two some of (the young players) aren’t ready to come (back up). The young talent gives us hope; now we’ll see where they are at.”
Competition, a little boat rocking, is welcome as the Rockies formulate their 26-man roster.
“Where we are at, we need competition and our guys have been told that,” Schmidt said.
In December, Schmidt had a discussion with veteran starting pitchers and team leaders Kyle Freeland and Austin Gomber, telling them that change could be in the offing.
“I told them, if one of the young guys is ready, we aren’t afraid to go with them,” Schmidt said.
