The Rockies are next in MLBTR’s 2013 Contract Issues series:
Eligible For Free Agency (4)
- Marco Scutaro - Scutaro's off to a slow start at the plate and the Rockies could save by relying on less experienced infielders in 2013.
- Jeremy Guthrie - Guthrie's now on the disabled list, but it won't be surprising if he re-signs with the Rockies this offseason.
- Jamie Moyer - Moyer, who turns 50 this offseason, has a respectable 4.01 ERA in 33 2/3 innings. His age limits his leverage in contract talks, but another minor league deal might work.
- Jason Giambi - The 41-year-old Giambi continues to contribute as a bat off the bench and occasional first baseman. Perhaps the Rockies will bring him back for a fifth season in Denver on a low-risk deal.
Contract Options (1)
- Jorge De La Rosa: $11MM player option with a $1MM buyout. If exercised, the club obtains an $11MM option for 2014. De La Rosa, who's now on his way back from Tommy John surgery, figures to exercise this option barring a tremendous second half showing. It's currently hard to imagine him finding $11MM elsewhere.
Arbitration Eligible (6)
- First time: Jhoulys Chacin, Jonathan Herrera, Josh Outman, Tyler Colvin, Esmil Rogers
- Second time: Dexter Fowler
Fowler and Chacin will lead a relatively small and affordable class of arbitration eligible players. Outman, currently on the disabled list, hasn't thrown a pitch for the Rockies and could be a non-tender candidate by December's deadline. If the out of options Rogers continues to struggle at the MLB level, he could also be non-tendered. As long as the cutoff falls where it's expected to, Rogers and Colvin will be eligible.
2013 Payroll Obligation
The Rockies typically operate with a payroll in the $80MM range and they have committed $46MM to next year's team. Assuming De La Rosa returns and their arbitration class doesn't cost much more than $10MM, GM Dan O'Dowd should have $10MM or so to work with this coming offseason.
