Spring Training is a time for veterans to shake off some rust, prospects to introduce themselves to the fan base, and a proving ground for numerous players battling for a roster spot. The Colorado Rockies, much like the rest of the league, have several players battling for limited roster space heading into the 2024 regular season. On the field, the team is generally established at most positions with regular players, but there are a few bench spots open and players are jockeying for positions on the depth chart. While there is lots to prove down in Scottsdale, Arizona, there are a few Rockies in need of a breakout spring more than others.

Michael Toglia

Drafted in the first round back in 2019, Toglia has tried to transfer a quality glove at first base with tantalizing power to the big leagues. Unfortunately, in limited playing time the past two seasons with the Rockies, Toglia has slightly stagnated in his development. With first base slightly out of the equation because of the presence of Kris Bryant, the Rockies have altered plans for Toglia, moving him into the mix for right field. Plate discipline has been the bane of Toglia’s time at the big leagues, due to severe splits as a switch-hitter and a strikeout rate sliding in at 34.6%. While he is adamant about switch-hitting and retaining an aggressive approach, Toglia will need to prove to the Rockies that he is capable of showing improvement and evolving as a hitter. The power is indeed there and quite attractive, but the power will mean nothing if contact is lacking. So far, Toglia is enjoying a decent start to his spring with a .429 AVG (3-for-7) with a pair of home runs. The key for him, however, will be a need to cut down on the swing and misses and prove he can draw some walks. Should he be able to do that, he will either be a decent trade chip or could be in line for more regular playing time.

Elehuris Montero

Much like Toglia, Elehuris Montero finds himself in the same situation of battling for regular playing time. Unlike Toglia, Montero is out of options and simply trying to force the Rockies’ hand one way or another. Montero was a prized prospect in the trade that sent future Hall of Famer Nolan Arenado to the St. Louis Cardinals. His bat has been quite intriguing and he displayed his herculean power with a monstrous blast in the first game of spring, but it’s a matter of finding consistency with his bat. When given extended playing time, Montero has proven he can be a power threat and contributor at the plate. He’s easily dominated pitching in Triple-A but has played just 138 games at the big league level the last two seasons. Strikeouts have been a problem for him as well, considering he has punched out at a 34.8% rate. In contrast, he has walked just 4.7% of the time, showing that while the power is there, the bat is still lacking in some aspects. There is a lot of potential for Montero, but now the Rockies have to find a way to play him. Despite coming up as a third baseman, the Rockies were less than enthused about his defensive abilities and have moved him to first. But, with the log jam of Bryant and first, and Charlie Blackmon at DH, Montero has to give the Rockies no choice but to play him and his bat more often than not. A breakout spring could give them a good problem to have.

Noah Davis

The top three in the Rockies’ starting rotation is set with Kyle Freeland, Austin Gomber, and Cal Quantrill. Veteran arm Dakota Hudson also appeared to be a shoo-in for a rotation spot, leaving the final spot up for consideration. Ryan Feltner and Peter Lambert appear to be the top picks for the spot,  leaving Noah Davis the dark horse to push his way forward. Davis, acquired from the Cincinnati Reds in 2021, has been trying to tinker and find his true self as a pitcher with the Rockies. In a brief starting stint in 2023, Davis showcased flashes of his potential on the mound but has battled some inconsistencies. Ever the tinkerer though, he has been working on adding a new curveball into his pitch mix and working on his slider and fastball. He has proven himself plenty in the minors, especially in the Pacific Coast League, but now needs a chance to grow and develop at the big league level. The competition is stiff in Spring Training camp for the Rockies and Davis will have to show dominance the rest of March if he hopes to surpass Felter and Lambert on the depth chart. He is fully capable of doing so, but will it be possible in limited Spring Training action?