Each MLB team’s biggest X-factor
Colorado Rockies: Ian Desmond
The deal was a bad one before the ink even dried on Ian Desmond’s five-year, $70-million contract with the Colorado Rockies last winter. The Rockies signed Desmond, a career shortstop with one year of experience playing center field, to be their first baseman. The 32-year-old was injured to start the year and only played 22 games at first base.
Desmond played only 95 games in 2017 and had the worst year of his career on a ballpark-adjusted basis. He hit only .274/.326/.375 with seven home runs and 40 RBI, good for an OPS+ of 73. Desmond was a non-factor for the Rockies.
The Rockies plan to let Ryan McMahon fail at first base, which means Desmond will be back in left field to start the year. If he is able to approach the .285/.335/.446 line with 22 home runs and 21 stolen bases from 2016 with the Texas Rangers, the Rockies lineup gets that much more dynamic.
Another name to keep an eye on with the Rockies is young outfielder David Dahl. The 23-year-old hit .315/.359/.500 in 63 games as a rookie in 2016, but did not play in the major leagues last year while dealing with injuries. The former first-round pick is a dynamic talent when healthy, and if things go well for him this season, Dahl could actually push Desmond to the bench.