The Colorado Rockies are in a rebuilding phase, and last season's close call with setting a record for losses underscores just how far they have to go. Central to their resurgence will be player development, especially focusing on their standout shortstop, who snagged a Gold Glove in 2024. However, while his defense shines, it's his hitting that needs to catch up.
Enter Ezequiel Tovar, a name to watch this season. The Athletic's Keith Law is predicting big things for the 24-year-old as he heads into his fifth season with the Rockies. Fresh off a scorching .471 batting average in 18 plate appearances for Venezuela at the World Baseball Classic, Tovar looks poised for a breakout year in 2026.
Tovar's potential is clear. He has shown he can drive the ball with power, boasting the kind of exit velocities that suggest he could hit 20-plus homers.
However, the challenge has been consistently connecting with big-league fastballs. Last season, he managed just nine home runs over 95 games, a drop from his career-high 26 homers in 157 games the year before.
But there's reason for optimism. Tovar has reportedly packed on an additional 10-15 pounds during the offseason, which could be a game-changer at Coors Field, known for its hitter-friendly conditions. If he can maintain improvements in his swing decisions from last year, we could see him surpass his 2024 numbers in terms of offensive production and overall value.
With his impressive World Baseball Classic performance, Tovar might just carry that momentum into the regular season, potentially earning his first All-Star nod. For the Rockies, he's a key piece in their rebuilding puzzle, and his development could be pivotal in turning the team's fortunes around.