Rockies Sign Bryant, Philly Lands Schwarber

Kris Bryant Signing Has No Impact On Colorado Rockies' World Series Odds

The Colorado Rockies signed one of the biggest free agents left on Wednesday when they inked Kris Bryant to a seven-year, $182 million deal. It’s a puzzling move considering the Rockies traded away a star third baseman last February in Nolan Arenado and even more curious when you consider they are in arguably the toughest division in baseball. Bryant will make them a better team, but their World Series odds are still 150-1 despite the acquisition.

What Is Colorado Doing?

Buster Olney summed up everyone’s thoughts with this tweet. Colorado has never won an NL West title in its history, and the Rockies have been largely uncompetitive in their three decades as an MLB franchise. They signaled that they were rebuilding after trading Nolan Arenado less than two years after signing him to an eight-year, $260 million extension, yet this is a win now move.

Colorado does have a solid lineup with the addition of Bryant. C.J. Cron had a very nice season and showed that he still has power, and Charlie Blackmon, Ryan McMahon, and Brendan Rodgers are all solid hitters too. However, the problem with the Rockies has never been hitting.

This pitching staff will have a very hard time being competitive in the loaded NL West. German Marquez is the nominal ace of the staff, but he posted a 1.272 WHIP with a 4.40 ERA last season. In fact, none of Colorado’s starting pitchers finished with a 4.30 ERA or better, and the bullpen was the fifth worst in baseball in terms of both ERA and WHIP.

Philadelphia Lands Kyle Schwarber

In other news, Kyle Schwarber signed a four-year, $79 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday afternoon. Schwarber finished with a career-high .928 OPS last season, and he was named an All-Star for the first time.

That gives the Phillies another quality hitter in the middle of the lineup. Opposing pitchers have to fear a lineup that contains 2021 NL MVP Bryce Harper, J.T. Realmuto, Rhys Hoskins, and the up-and-coming Alex Bohm in addition to Scharber, and that will keep Philadelphia competitive in the NL East race.