It’s been a quiet offseason so far in Colorado, and frankly, that’s not all that surprising. With Paul DePodesta now steering the Rockies' front office, the approach has been measured, deliberate - and that’s exactly what this team needs right now.
No splashy free agent signings, no blockbuster trades. Just a front office taking time to evaluate what it has before making any major moves.
And that’s smart.
One of the more intriguing names floating around in trade speculation is Brenton Doyle. The young outfielder is arguably Colorado’s most valuable trade chip, but he remains on the roster - and that’s telling.
Moving Doyle without a clear understanding of how the rest of the roster and farm system pieces fit together would be more reactionary than strategic. This is a player who, despite some inconsistencies, still offers upside and athleticism.
Trading him now, in the middle of a roster evaluation period, would feel premature.
So don’t expect fireworks from the Rockies this winter. But that doesn’t mean they’ll be completely dormant either.
There are still some under-the-radar free agents out there who could make sense for a team looking to build smartly - not just for 2026, but for the seasons beyond. One name that fits that mold?
LaMonte Wade Jr.
Wade Jr. is a veteran first baseman and designated hitter who’s coming off a tough 2025 campaign, but there’s still reason to believe he has something left in the tank. His name recently surfaced on a list of buy-low free agents with high upside - the kind of player Colorado should absolutely be eyeing right now.
Let’s take a closer look at the numbers. In 2023, Wade Jr. slashed a solid .256/.373/.416 with 17 home runs and 45 RBIs.
The following year, he actually improved his on-base percentage to .380 and posted a .260 average, though his power numbers dipped a bit to eight homers and 34 RBIs. Then came 2025 - a rough year by any measure.
Splitting time between the Giants and the Angels, Wade Jr. hit just .167 with a .271 OBP and a .254 slugging percentage, managing only two home runs and 18 RBIs in 80 games. He was eventually designated for assignment by San Francisco and later released by Los Angeles.
That’s a steep drop-off, no doubt. But this isn’t a player who’s far removed from being productive.
Between 2023 and 2024, Wade Jr. posted a combined 4.9 rWAR and a .376 OBP - numbers that suggest he can still contribute if he finds the right fit. He’s not old, and his skillset - particularly his plate discipline - hasn’t vanished overnight.
For a team like the Rockies, who are still looking to build out their roster depth and potentially find a few diamonds in the rough, Wade Jr. is exactly the kind of player worth taking a flyer on.
If he bounces back even partially to his 2023-24 form, Wade Jr. gives Colorado a versatile left-handed bat who can fill in at first base or serve as a designated hitter. And if he does find his groove again, he becomes a potential trade chip come July - the kind of low-risk, high-reward signing that could net the Rockies a prospect or two down the line.
This is the kind of calculated risk Colorado should be taking. They’re not in a position to chase big-money free agents, and that’s okay.
The focus should be on finding undervalued players who can either help stabilize the roster or turn into assets. Wade Jr. fits that profile.
He’s not a savior, but he doesn’t need to be. He just needs to be a smart piece in a longer-term puzzle.
So while the Rockies’ offseason may not be making headlines, that doesn’t mean it lacks purpose. With DePodesta at the helm, it’s about building a foundation - and sometimes, that starts with quiet, savvy moves like this one.