When it comes to the Colorado Rockies, the roster is fairly set for Opening Day. Across the diamond, you can have plenty of staples that are going to get everyday reps defensively and in the lineup. There are a few exceptions, with the corner outfield spots up in the air a bit and the backup catcher spot, but for the most part, all the moving pieces are in place. The real battle for the Rockies when it comes to position players is figuring out who will occupy the bench. Typically, the 26-man roster breaks down to being comprised of 13 pitchers and 13 position players. Since there are nine spots in the lineup, that leaves four spots on the bench for alternate players.

For the Rockies, the bench currently projects as such:

• Back-up catcher (likely Hunter Goodman)
• Kyle Farmer (UTL)
• Sam Hilliard (OF)

Since the Rockies have a fourth outfielder, utility infielder, and back-up catcher, it makes the battle for the final bench spot a bit more interesting as the team as a handful of players are fighting for that coveted Opening Day roster spot.

Sean Bouchard (OF/1B)

The player with an inside track, since he is already on the 40-man roster, would be Sean Bouchard. It’s been a rough road for Bouchard over the last few seasons since his debut in 2022. Bouchard has always impressed the Rockies with his on-base skills and ability to hit for average with some power potential. In 2022, he posted a .454 OBP in 27 games with 25 strikeouts and 21 walks. That seemed to prime him for a starting role the following season, but a torn bicep in Spring Training caused him to miss most of the season, but he did make a return late in the year and batted .316/.372/.684 with four home runs in 21 games. Once again, he seemed primed to win a starting role in 2024, but various injuries and poor performance limited him to just 31 games at the big league level. Still, he slashed .324/.418/.643 in 46 games in Triple-A with 11 home runs, 47 strikeouts, and 25 walks.

In his brief sample size in Spring Training this season, Bouchard has looked like himself at the plate. In 20 plate appearances, he is batting .400 (8-for-20) with four extra-base hits. He hasn’t drawn a walk yet, but he has just five strikeouts and is putting the ball in play with some authority. That ability to get on-base does work in Bouchard’s favor as a player that could pinch-hit later in games and help spark a rally. Defensively, however, he is more of a work in progress. Drafted as a first baseman, he can easily slot in for Michael Toglia as needed, but he would likely be used more in the outfield, which hasn’t been the best for him. Bouchard does have a minor league option, so there is some flexibility if they decide to carry a different bench option, but from an offensive standpoint, he has the potential to be a quality bench bat.

Nick Martini (OF/1B/DH)

One of the veterans auditioning for a spot as a non-roster invite, Nick Martini, is looking to keep his big league career going. Showing shades of Jake Cave from 2024, Martini has had an interesting career. After things seemed to fizzle out in 2021, he spent a season in Korea, where he enjoyed quite a bit of success. He landed with the Cincinati Reds, where he played over the last two seasons, mostly in Triple-A. He enjoyed quite a bit of offensive success in Triple-A Louisville with some moderate production in a limited role with the Reds in 2023. Injuries sidelined Martini for most of the 2024 season, but when he was on the field, he wasn’t able to muster much offense in 52 games.

The Rockies signed Martini to a minor league deal, so there isn’t as much concern that the Rockies will follow the same pattern they did with Cave, but it’s still a valid concern. Defensively, he’s perfectly fine in the corner spots and would provide another left-handed bat off the bench with the ability to play some first base. In camp thus far, he’s batting .375/.524/.750 with two home runs, five strikeouts, and four walks. Should he not make the roster, the 34-year-old would be a solid veteran presence to have in Triple-A, but at the end of the day, he is just the older, left-handed hitting version of Bouchard with slightly worse on-base skills.

Owen Miller (UTL)

The Rockies traded for Owen Miller early in the offseason, sending cash to the Milwaukee Brewers. It was always assumed he would likely battle for a spot, potentially even a starting second base role before the Rockies settled on Kyle Farmer and Thairo Estrada on major league deals. However, as Spring Training has progressed, it’s become more evident that he may be in serious contention for a bench spot with the team. In parts of four seasons at the big league level, Miller hasn’t seen much playing time. In 2022, he played in 130 games for Cleveland to moderate success before playing 90 games to equal success with the Brewers in 2023. Unfortunately, 2024 was not a kind season at the big league level, where he played just 14 games to middling results. He found quality production in Triple-A over the last few seasons, but a change of scenery and a new opportunity with a team like the Rockies may be what he’s looking for.

What helps Miller’s case is his ability to play across the diamond. Typically a second baseman, he has spent time at third base and first base, and in Rockies camp has spent more time at shortstop than any of those positions. It would appear the Rockies are hoping that Miller can be that true utility infielder capable of playing every position to help their desire of resting players more often. His glove has looked good, so there isn’t much worry there, and offensively, he’s done well in his brief sample size. In 12 games, Miller has slashed .300/.375/.400 with four RBI, two walks, and a stolen base. At the age of 28, Miller is still generally young with plenty of years ahead of him if he can make an impact off the bench for a team like the Rockies.

Aaron Schunk (3B/2B/SS)

The bench utility infielder is a familiar role for Schunk. Making his debut in 2024, Schunk played in 39 games, where he slashed .234/.265/.330 with a pair of home runs. He noticeably struggled in the adjustment to a bench role with the Rockies and big league pitching after he enjoyed so much success in Triple-A last season. He was outrighted off the 40-man roster earlier in Spring Training and finds himself fighting for his spot once again.

Shortstop is the newest position that Schunk picked up last season, but he has been more than comfortable at the keystone alongside second base. Third base is likely his best position, but that versatility is key for a utility infielder. Unlike the previous players mentioned, Schunk hasn’t found much success in Spring Training thus far. In 15 plate appearances over 10 games, he does not have a hit. He has struck out six times and walked twice, and it seems to be more likely he would start the season in Triple-A and hope for an opportunity to come up, thanks to injury or otherwise.

Closing

These players mentioned seem the most likely candidates fighting for a role. The Rockies do have outfielders Zac Veen and Yanquiel Fernandez fighting for spots along with non-roster invites like catcher Austin Nola and infielder Keston Hiura. While they are all intriguing options, it seems more likely they would all benefit with time in Triple-A to start the season, given the status of the Rockies’ roster.

The decision will ultimately come down to what the Rockies see as most beneficial. If you were to ask me, Owen Miller seems the most logical to help balance things out a bit more for the infield. Carrying five outfielders seems a bit of overkill for the Rockies, especially when they hope to throw Kris Bryant out there on occasion. However, you can see how it would work to give players more days off. Still, if needed, both Farmer and Estrada can play the outfield as needed, which would make another infielder like Miller or Schunk an asset for the season.

Either way, the point of the bench is to have versatility and options offensively and defensively. It’s unclear what the Rockies will get offensively from the bench, but they can rest assured that defense won’t be a problem. It’s just a matter of what positions they want to be filled by the bench.