There are strong indications that the Rockies started discussing a contract with Jorge De La Rosa this week, according to Troy Renck of the Denver Post. The left-hander hits free agency this offseason, but the Rockies have exclusive negotiating rights until shortly after the World Series ends.
De La Rosa missed two months with a torn tendon in his finger and walks 4.1 batters per nine innings. That will hurt his market value, but his age (29), strikeout rate (8.4 K/9) and groundball rate (52.3%) will likely entice potential suitors.
He doesn’t have to convince the Rockies – they’re interested. Not only did Colorado offer De La Rosa a two-year deal worth $8.75MM in the offseason, GM Dan O’Dowd recently said that re-signing him is a priority. De La Rosa won't cost the Rockies a draft pick, but if he turns down arbitration to sign elsewhere, Colorado will obtain a top pick for losing a Type A free agent.
