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.
Moebarguy
This smells like the Oliver Perez situation. The Rockies should avoid any sort of long-term deal with de la Rosa.
$1742854
Agreed, this guy’s top end is 5.1 IP, 4R, 3BB, 110 pitches each game. 2 year contract MAX!!!
Nathan
I wondering if the Brewers are considering overpaying to bring back De La Rosa…you know, not like we’ve done anything like that recently…
start_wearing_purple
More soup for you?
InTheKZone
That soup is far too cold.
mkorpal
While I do fear Jorge a bit, the market is so horrible beyond Lee making this a must sign for the Rockies.
The_Porcupine
Yeah, he does sniff of Oliver Perez, but I’d like to see the Rox resign him. He’s shown an ability to pitch in Colorado and be fairly effective. He’s a bit injury prone though. As long as the Rox don’t view him as more than a #3 starter or pay more than 8 million a year, I’m ok with bringing him back.