What Do the (Not-Very-Valuable) Spring Training Numbers Reveal about the Rockies?

As the 2025 Rockies take shape, it’s possible (maybe) to draw some conclusions.

Renee Dechert

07 Mar 2025 — 5 min read

I know: Spring training numbers mean nothing. Pitchers are trying out new pitches, so if they‘re getting hit hard, maybe there’s a reason for it. Hitters are still trying to get their timing down and make swing adjustments. In the end, the data just doesn’t mean that much.

I accept all of that.

But I also think the spring training numbers give a sense of what the Colorado Rockies are trying to understand as they put together their 2025 roster and plan for their mid-season adjustments as they truly begin to let the kids play.

So, for our purposes, I’m looking at MLB’s spring training numbers since they provide some early data. Also, I’m more interested in what we’ve seen from position players than I am pitchers, who are just trying to build up innings and sharpen their arsenals. The position players, I think, are operating in a slightly different universe.

With that in mind, here are some numbers that have caught my attention.

• 24 — That the highest number of at-bats taken by Rockies hitters in spring training, and leading that category are Brenton Doyle and Nolan Jones, the tale of two players coming off very different seasons. Clearly, Doyle is picking up where he left off (.250/.250/.538) while Jones continues to struggle (.125/.192/.125). He is, by his own admission, a slow starter, but these numbers suggest he’s still figuring things out.

Zac Veen (with blond hair) stands at the plate, bat in hand.

• 23 — That’s the number of at-bats Jordan Beck has taken, and he’s third overall in this category. (If you’re interested, he’s slashing .261/.346/.391.) Beck is trying to avoid returning to Triple-A Albuquerque and gain the development time he missed in 2024.

But I was also interested in the number of prospects who’ve gotten the most at-bats since it suggests these are players the Rockies want to see in action. Zac Veen has 22 (.273/.360/.500), Adael Amador comes in with 21 (.333/.440/.381), and then Kyle Karros with 20 (.400/.478/.500) and Yanquiel Fernández with 19 (.316/.381/.421).

That the Rockies have given these players this many at-bats suggests they are getting a serious look, probably less for breaking camp with the Rockies than for promotion during the season. (Benny Montgomery has already been sent to minor league camp.)

•2 — That’s the number atop the Rockies home run leaderboard, and it represents a three-way tie between Brenton Doyle, Michael Toglia, and Nick Martini. There were questions as to whether Toglia would pick up where he left off, and the early (small-sample size) indications are that that seems likely. As for Martini, despite the Rockies tendency to like veteran players, I’ve come to see it as unlikely he starts the season with the Rockies though I could see him in Triple-A working on his game at first base (since he spent only nine games there with the Cincinnati Reds).

•1 — Five players have hit one home run: Jordan Beck, Sean Bouchard, Kris Bryant, Cole Carrigg, and Zac Veen. Each of these players has a great deal to prove this season, the young players that they’re ready and Bryant that he’s healthy. The Rockies have promised a true competition at spring training, and some players are doing their best to make the most of their shot.

Tovar greets Bryant at home plate after he hit a home run.

•5 — That’s the number of walks Ryan McMahon has taken this season, and he’s followed by five players who have taken four: Adael Amador, Hunter Goodman, Keaton Hiura, Nick Martini, and Ezequiel Tovar. This probably has more to do with pitchers calibrating their stuff than the Rockies learning patience at the plate, but the initial numbers from Goodman and Tovar are encouraging.

•10 — That’s the number of strikeouts from Sam Hilliard, and he leads the Rockies. He’s followed by Toglia (9) and Beck (8). Given that Hilliard only has 19 at-bats, this seems like an ominous sign.

•4 — That’s the number of stolen bases Zac Veen has this season, and he leads the Rockies. Interestingly enough, he’s followed by Cole Carrigg and Greg Jones, each with two. This would suggest that the notoriously slow Rockies are set to become better at grabbing bags when their prospects are promoted.

•3 — That’s the number of doubles Tovar (17 at-bats) and Goodman (14 at-bats) have hit. In both cases, it’s a good sign because it suggests Doubles King Tovar is picking up where he left off, and Goodman is finding his swing.

So What Does It Mean?

There are a few (possible) takeaways. The Rockies really want to see what Veen can do, and he’s doing his best to show them he’s ready. (I still think he starts the season in Albuquerque as it increasingly looks like Beck will win the starting spot.)

I’ve come to think of Kyle Karros as a player to watch, and the number of at-bats he’s earned suggest the Rockies want to see if he’s potentially Ryan McMahon’s heir. (In writing the third base “State of the Position” piece for Purple Row, I became especially convinced of this.)

Maybe, just maybe, Ezequiel Tovar will strike out less this season, which would take his game to the next level.

But, as I wrote in the beginning, spring training stats means nothing, so we’ll have to check back in a couple of months.

Subscribe to Rockies Pitch

What I’m Reading

• David Brandt’s “From Roofing to a Spring Training Sensation, Rockies' Jefry Yan Delights with Mound Celebrations” (Associated Press) — When I was writing about Yan last week, it was difficult to find any interviews that allowed Yan to speak for himself. Brandt addresses that in this piece. (I still think he starts in Triple-A with a summer call up to engage a sagging Rockies fanbase.)

• Patrick Saunders’ “What Does Future Hold for Charlie Condon, Drew Romo, Sean Bouchard?” (Denver Post) — I always enjoy Saunders’ answers to readers’ questions. Among other topics, he discusses Romo’s “shotput” throw back to the pitcher and Sean Bouchard, “a strong, dark horse candidate to make the roster.”

• Evan Lang’s “Rockies Announce Roster for 2025 Spring Breakout Game” (Purple Row) — This is something I’m looking forward to.

• Renee Dechert’s “Rockies Commercials Are Back! Here’s How That Happened” (Purple Row) — I wondered how all the pieces game together, and the Rockies answered my questions.

Share Rockies Pitch