Eli Whitney | January 20, 2026 | @eliwhtney17
As the 2026 season approaches, the Colorado Rockies boast one of the deepest—and frankly most overcrowded—outfields in Major League Baseball. That was true throughout the offseason, but the situation escalated earlier this month when Colorado acquired 28-year-old Jake McCarthy from Arizona in exchange for minor-league right-hander Josh Grosz. The Rockies now have nine (!) outfielders on their 40-man roster, and while depth is usually a luxury, at some point something—or someone—has to give.
Rockies 2026 Outfield Depth Enters Season at a Breaking Point
Anchoring the group is former Gold Glove center fielder Brenton Doyle. Doyle has been the subject of trade rumors for months, though for now he appears likely to remain in Colorado. If the Rockies do ultimately decide to move on—whether in the coming weeks or at the July trade deadline—Jake McCarthy’s speed and defensive ability make him the obvious choice to step in as the everyday center fielder. McCarthy ranks in the 99th percentile in sprint speed (29.9 mph) and posted 3 Outs Above Average last season.
The Rockies also return their regular corner outfielders from 2025. Twenty-four-year-old Jordan Beck will be looking to prove he can provide the consistency required of an everyday starter, while Mickey Moniak aims to build on what may have been the most productive offensive season of his career (24 HR, 110 wRC+). Defensive improvement is a must for Moniak, however, as he finished last season with a -8 OAA and a -24 DRS while spending most of his time in right field.
Where Utility Players Fit into the Equation
Also adding to the logjam are the Rockies’ versatile utility options, including Tyler Freeman and Troy Johnston. Freeman made a positive impression on fans with his disciplined plate approach and ability to get on base, while Johnston was claimed off waivers from Miami in November. Although both are capable of filling in at outfield spots if needed, Freeman is far more likely to compete for playing time at a suddenly crowded second base position (Amador, Ritter and Castro), while Johnston will look to secure a role at first base, with additional potential as a designated hitter.
Then come the high-pedigree prospects still pushing for their opportunities. The accumulation of recent moves begs the question: what’s next for Zac Veen? The former first-round pick struggled to adjust to major-league pitching during his lone stint with the Rockies last April, batting .118 while striking out in nearly 38% of his plate appearances.
Frankly, the addition of McCarthy does little to help Veen’s outlook. While Veen’s tools are undeniable, McCarthy offers a similar skill set and has already shown he can contribute at the major-league level. That’s not to say Veen won’t be given a chance to compete for an Opening Day roster spot, but he once again finds himself facing an uphill battle. As things stand, the 2020 first-round pick appears likely to open the season in Triple-A yet again.
That leaves only two outfielders left to consider: Yanquiel Fernandez and Sterlin Thompson. While Fernández fared better than Veen in his major-league at-bats last season, he now finds himself in a similar position following the addition of McCarthy. It feels unlikely—though not impossible—that the Rockies would carry three left-handed-hitting outfielders to open the season, especially if Johnston earns a roster spot at first base.
Thompson, meanwhile, has yet to make his MLB debut. A left-handed hitter, he may benefit from his defensive versatility as he looks to make an impression this spring. Although he spent most of last season in Triple-A as an outfielder, Thompson is expected to take reps at first base during spring training. If there’s a path to the Opening Day lineup for him, it likely runs through first base.
What Paul DePodesta’s Comments Tell Us About 2026
When asked about the crowded outfield picture, new President of Baseball Operations Paul DePodesta offered the following perspective: “I think they could fit together pretty nicely. We like the mix of guys we have right now. If you look at the four who took the majority of the time last year—Jordan [Beck], Brenton [Doyle], Mickey [Moniak], and Tyler [Freeman]—and then you add Jake into that mix, we now have two left-handed hitters and three right-handed hitters… I think it’s a nice mix for ‘Schaeff,’ and hopefully it gives us an opportunity to put together a lineup on any given day that gives us a good chance.”
While it’s always wise to take comments like these with a grain of salt this time of year, DePodesta’s remarks suggest the Rockies may prioritize experience to open the 2026 season.
The reality is that this surplus of outfield talent is no accident. Colorado’s front office appears intent on stockpiling athleticism in the outfield, a strategy that provides both depth and flexibility. In the context of a rebuild, this is a good problem to have. It fosters real competition, offers protection against injuries, and—perhaps most importantly—gives Warren Schaeffer options as he works to steady the ship. If handled correctly, the Rockies’ 2026 outfield has the potential to become a roster strength, though difficult decisions loom in the not-too-distant future.
Written by Eli Whitney.
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