The Colorado Rockies have signed right-handed pitcher Jake Woodford to a minor league contract with an invite to Spring Training. Once a promising arm with the St. Louis Cardinals, Woodford will aim to rejuvenate his career and compete for a spot in the Rockies’ rotation or bullpen.
Woodford’s career: A mix of potential and struggles
Originally drafted 39th overall by the Cardinals in 2015, Woodford worked his way through the minor league system before debuting in the shortened 2020 season. Despite early struggles in his MLB career, he showed flashes of reliability between 2021 and 2022, posting a combined 3.26 ERA across 116 innings. His sinker-heavy repertoire allowed him to induce weak contact and groundballs, making him a versatile option as both a starter and reliever.
However, Woodford’s inability to generate strikeouts has been a consistent issue. His career strikeout rate sits at just 15.4%, well below the league average. The 2023 season proved particularly challenging, as he recorded a 6.23 ERA over 47 2/3 innings, splitting time between the Cardinals, Chicago White Sox, and Pittsburgh Pirates. Opposing hitters crushed his offerings, as evidenced by an alarming 11.3% barrel rate. These struggles ultimately led to his non-tendering by the Cardinals in November.
Why the Rockies see value in Woodford
Colorado’s unique pitching challenges at Coors Field, where the thin air amplifies home runs and limits breaking ball effectiveness, make groundball pitchers highly valuable. Woodford’s career groundball rate of 45.1% fits the Rockies’ strategy of acquiring pitchers who can mitigate the effects of pitching at altitude.
While the Rockies’ rotation for Opening Day appears set with Germán Márquez, Kyle Freeland, Austin Gomber, Ryan Feltner, and Antonio Senzatela, there is more flexibility in the bullpen. Woodford’s ability to serve as a swingman—switching between starting and relieving roles—gives him an edge in the competition for a roster spot during Spring Training. His experience and ability to induce weak contact could make him a valuable depth piece for Colorado.
What this move means for the Rockies
For the Rockies, signing Woodford represents a low-risk, high-upside opportunity. While his recent struggles raise concerns, his groundball tendencies align well with Colorado’s pitching philosophy. If he can rediscover the form he showcased in 2021 and 2022, Woodford could provide much-needed stability to a pitching staff that has consistently ranked near the bottom of MLB.
Beyond his statistical profile, Woodford also brings flexibility to a roster that needs options. Injuries and inconsistency have plagued the Rockies’ pitching staff in recent years, and having a pitcher with Woodford’s swingman utility could offer valuable insurance over the course of a long season.
Spring Training: A pivotal moment for Woodford
The upcoming Spring Training will be critical for Woodford as he looks to secure a spot on the Rockies’ roster. Competing against other non-roster invitees and bullpen hopefuls, he will need to demonstrate improved command and limit hard contact. His ability to adapt to the unique challenges of pitching at Coors Field will also be closely watched.
Should Woodford fail to make the Opening Day roster, he could still remain a valuable depth option in Triple-A, ready to step up whenever the Rockies need reinforcements. His signing signals Colorado’s ongoing effort to address their pitching issues by targeting players with untapped potential.
As the 2024 season approaches, all eyes will be on whether Woodford can turn this fresh start into a meaningful role. His journey serves as a reminder of how critical adaptability and resilience are for pitchers trying to succeed in the majors, particularly in a challenging environment like Denver.
